Pune: Individualization not just in terms of medicine, but also exercise and diet is the key to management of young diabetics opined Dr. Reema Kashiva, Director Centre of Excellence for Diabetes and Obesity at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre.
With more and more young population getting type 2 diabetes, the concerns of long term complications are real if not managed properly. Dr.Kashiva said that the most important thing is to make sure that we start the management right during or right after the onset of diabetes. For eg if somebody has HBa1c level of around 6.5 to 7.5 and BMI of 35 , this is the right time where we can bring it down with proper management .
Simple things like evaluating the diet and exercise can be beneficial . Sometimes monotonous exercise may not help and some modifications may be necessary. All this will have an effect on weight which is one of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes in today’s children, adolescents and young adults. The other risk factor is stress which is not only work related stress , but the performance related stress experienced by children and this should be made a part of their education . What is woresening matters for today’s youngsters is screen time , digital overdose, poor sports and outdoor activities and less socialization .
Telemedicine can play a crucial role in helping rural diabetics
Diabetes is not only related to urban areas but an equal concern in rural areas too. Here telemedicine which became popular during COVID times can play a crucial role. It can help educate rural physicians from primary centres and also counselling rural people in groups . Awareness about risk factors , symptoms and other aspects of diabetes can help them come to tertiary care units and get access proper management of their health conditions .
Dr. Reema Kashiva said that this year’s theme of Diabetes and Well Being is by far the best I have seen during my years of practice. This reflects the need to have not just physical well-being but mental, social and financial well-being as well.
