Ahead of World Diabetes Day 2025, the Illness to Wellness Foundation organized a national conference in New Delhi to address diabetes prevention, management, and women’s health across different life stages. The event gathered top medical professionals, policymakers, and public health experts to spark a nationwide conversation on lifestyle-based preventive healthcare.
India on the Brink of a Metabolic Health Crisis
Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and Chairperson, Governing Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, highlighted the urgency of the situation. “Diabetes has become one of India’s most pressing public health challenges, demanding immediate preventive action,” he said during his keynote address. He emphasized that India now has nearly 90 million diabetic adults, making it the second-largest diabetic nation globally.
He urged both state and central governments to prioritize systematic screening and preventive care for non-communicable diseases like diabetes. Early detection, consistent screening, and adherence to treatment protocols, he stressed, are crucial to reversing this growing epidemic.
Focus on Prevention Through Holistic Living
Welcoming the participants, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, reinforced the power of preventive health.
He stated, “Diabetes can be delayed, controlled, and even prevented through small, consistent, and conscious lifestyle choices.” He added that ancient Indian practices such as Yoga, Surya Namaskar, and Pranayama not only improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism but also enhance mental well-being.
“Our mission at Illness to Wellness Foundation,” he said, “is to inspire individuals to take charge of their health through holistic and preventive living.”
Rethinking Diabetes Management
Speaking on evolving treatment perspectives, (Padma Shri) Dr. Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis-C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases & Endocrinology, urged a shift beyond a “gluco-centric” approach.
“For too long, we’ve focused only on blood sugar levels,” he remarked. “Effective diabetes management must also address fat, cholesterol, and physical strength.”
He particularly highlighted the need for strength training among women, noting that “walking alone isn’t enough.” A mix of cardiorespiratory, resistance, and muscle-strength exercises helps maintain balance and prevents long-term complications.
Addressing Women’s Health: From Pregnancy to Menopause
Dr. (Prof.) Ashok Kumar, Director, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, drew attention to diabetes in women.
>He warned that gestational diabetes poses serious risks to both mother and child, including hypertension, delivery complications, and long-term cardiovascular disease. Children of diabetic mothers, he added, face a higher likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
“As per the press release, experts agreed that awareness and lifestyle intervention are essential—not only during pregnancy but also in the post-partum period—to safeguard both maternal and child health.”
Bridging the Gap in Diabetes Care
Dr. Anuj Maheshwari, President Elect, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), emphasized the widening reach of diabetes across all socio-economic groups.
“What was once a disease of affluence now affects every section of society,” he said. India’s diabetic population has risen from 33 million in the 1990s to over 100 million today, driven by urbanization, processed foods, and physical inactivity.
He called for equitable access to diabetes care. He urged policymakers to enhance research, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and expand disease monitoring systems.
Interactive Sessions: A Holistic Approach to Diabetes Prevention
The conference featured three interactive sessions covering prevention, management, and complications of diabetes.
- Nurturing Healthy Futures: Tackling Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
Moderated by Dr. Rajesh Kesari, this session explored the growing prevalence of diabetes among youth. Experts including Dr. Mudit Sabharwal, Ms. Sana Khan, Dr. (Maj. Gen.) J.K. Bansal and Dr. Sanjay Rajpal emphasized early intervention and family-based lifestyle changes. They also highlighted technology-enabled glucose monitoring to help children manage risk factors effectively.
- Diabetes in Women – Across Life Stages
The second session, moderated by Dr. Shalini Jaggi, focused on women’s hormonal health, gestational diabetes, menopause, and mental well-being. Experts such as Dr. Pikee Saxena, Dr. Himsweta Srivastava, and Dr. Himika Chawla highlighted the importance of early screening during pregnancy. They also emphasized continued postnatal monitoring to prevent complications unique to women.
- Managing Diabetes Complications and Comorbidities
The final session, led by Dr. Rajesh Kesari, examined the multidisciplinary management of cardiovascular, renal, and neurological complications. Panellists including Dr. Sanjiv Saxena, Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor, and Dr. Vinay Garodia discussed how advanced diagnostics and early intervention can reduce long-term risks.
Collective Call to Action
Concluding the conference, Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Co-Lead of the FICCI Task Force on Quality & Viability in Healthcare, and Founder & Director of Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, spoke on diabetes. He emphasized its economic and social burden on Indian society.
He urged policymakers, healthcare professionals, and citizens to work together to strengthen preventive healthcare systems and also called for encouraging active lifestyles and moving toward a healthier, diabetes-free future.