Reversing the diabetes epidemic
Arecent survey by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has indicated that over 70% of adults in Delhi suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition which causes blood sugar levels to increase. If not managed and treated on time, it can lead to various other health complications. The onset of the disease is maximum in individuals between the age of 30 to 35 years. Of the many ways to manage this condition is improving glycemic control. While this can be achieved through pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery, there are side effects including reduced quality of life – not to mention the economic burden.
The best way, therefore, is lifestyle changes and weight loss. However, not everyone is able to succeed or sustain the effort. Diabetes management requires sustained behavioural change. Statistics indicate that as many as 46% of those who make the lifestyle changes can achieve remission and wean off medications. The lifestyle changes include sustained glycemic control through weight loss and a diet comprising low carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high amounts of healthy fat.
For those who find this difficult, there are startups reinventing the diabetes care model. They offer continuous remote care including personalised dietary guidance and behavioural coaching, a model that can revolutionise diabetes care and management. Through intensive, digitally enabled support, including access to diabetologists, health coaching, nutrition and behaviour change education, and individualised care plans, they are proving to be a game changer in reversing the diabetes epidemic and its resultant complications.