“Diabetes and Well-Being,” this year’s World Diabetes Day theme, highlights the need for treating diabetes holistically, focusing on lifestyle modifications that go beyond medicine alone. According to Dr. Penna Krishna Prasanthi, a senior physician and non-official independent director of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), managing diabetes and improving quality of life require a comprehensive strategy that includes stress management, exercise, diet, and new technology.

“Diabetes management now focuses on lifestyle factors that contribute to the condition as well as medications,” Dr. Prasanthi told The Hans India. She points out that new research has changed our knowledge of diabetes by pointing to a link between metabolic health and many organ systems, including the gut.

“With millions of microorganisms, the gut microbiota has a significant impact on metabolism, including kidney function and fat regulation,” she says.

This knowledge highlights the significance of gut health in the treatment of diabetes, providing opportunities for novel treatments like probiotics and even the recently developed idea of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

The management and monitoring of diabetes are changing as a result of recent developments in diagnostic technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) and smartphone technologies are offering substitutes for traditional testing.

Dr. Prasanthi emphasizes that patients with diabetes now need to keep an eye on their blood pressure, cholesterol, and other metabolic markers in addition to their blood sugar levels. “In order to form a comprehensive picture of a patient’s health, factors like liver health and cardiac status are equally important,” she continues.

Another cornerstone of diabetes treatment is dietary control, which is advised by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and other organizations. “For stable blood sugar levels and general metabolic health, it is essential to shift to complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins while avoiding high-calorie junk food and simple sugars,” she suggests.

Early lifestyle changes are crucial for those at risk, such as those with obesity or polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), in order to reduce difficulties in the future. “Intrauterine life and the first 1000 days of childhood shape a child’s health, especially with regard to diabetes in adulthood,” she says.

Another topic of increasing attention is the significance of gut health and the function of probiotics. Dr. Prasanthi notes that “traditional homemade curd is an excellent source of lactobacillus, which supports a healthy gut microbiota.” However, eating processed meals, using artificial sweeteners, and using antibiotics carelessly may all alter gut flora and raise the risk of metabolic diseases. As studies continue, FMT could emerge as a promising substitute for reestablishing intestinal equilibrium and perhaps helping with the treatment of diabetes.

She emphasizes the need for physicians and patients to keep abreast of current developments in diabetes care. “We are always learning, and patients need to take an active role in their treatment. A regular effort will help protect their well-being over time, so they should spend at least an hour a day on their health,” she said.