Understanding Diabetes Remission vs Reversal

In the world of diabetes management, the terms 'reversal' and 'remission' often confuse many. Renowned diabetologist Dr. Sunil Gupta recently shed light on this crucial distinction, emphasizing that 'remission' is the more accurate term. While people often equate remission with a complete cure, Dr. Gupta wants us to understand that diabetes doesn’t simply vanish—it can be managed successfully, though the underlying condition may still be present.

"Achieving normal blood sugar levels without medication is possible, but this state is remission—not reversal," he clarified, ensuring clarity on this vital health topic.

Four Pillars of Achieving Diabetes Remission

Dr. Gupta outlined four scientifically-backed strategies for achieving diabetes remission: 1. **Lifestyle Changes**: Prioritize your diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and aim for weight loss. 2. **Medications**: Targeted oral medications can enhance glucose control and improve insulin sensitivity. 3. **Insulin Therapy**: Insulin injections play a key role in maintaining pancreatic function for some patients. 4. **Bariatric Surgery**: For individuals struggling with obesity and uncontrolled diabetes, this surgical option can be lifesaving.

The Obesity-Diabetes Connection

Dr. Gupta also highlighted an alarming truth—obesity is now recognized as a disease itself. This growing epidemic isn't just a standalone issue; it's intricately linked to diabetes and hypertension. He pointed to an extensive national study involving one crore hypertensive patients, aiming to unravel the connections between diabetes and hypertension in India, which will involve over 4,500 doctors.

Hello Diabetes Academia: A Conclave of Knowledge

Excitingly, Dr. Gupta also announced the upcoming 12th edition of Hello Diabetes Academia (HDA), taking place from June 6 to 8 in Nagpur. This flagship event will bring together over 100 national experts and feature more than 150 sessions on cutting-edge advances in diabetes and metabolic disorders. Collaborating with leading organizations—such as the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India and the Indian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists—this year's conference is set to be a transformative experience for attendees.

The formal inauguration, graced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will take place at 12:30 PM on Saturday, alongside esteemed guests including health officials and diabetes experts.