New Delhi: If we take diabetics and pre diabetics together, India is indeed in dire straits. We wasted much time in turf war and ‘better than thou’ polemics in dealing with this impending health catastrophe, threatening to take country’s productive demographic in its vice like grip. Time is now to charter the best way forward. That purpose was well served by the public awareness talk organized under the aegis of Venu Naturopathy Centre at India Habitat Centre on World Diabetes Day. The take away from that talk was there is no one way or other way; integrative approach is the only best option to avert the crisis close at hand.
The theme around which seminal talk centered read as- Managing Diabetes: An Integrated Approach. The interlocutors were all public health experts in their own right. Padma Vibhushan Sonal Man Singh, the renowned classical dancer, in her own unique way and best tradition of dance, tried to bring divergent thoughts in sync. Her prescription of everyone becoming a dancer for being in fine fettle well underlined the need of active life.
The highly insightful session brought together experts, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to discuss holistic approaches to managing diabetes and improving overall well-being.
In India, according to the WHO, an estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetics (at a higher risk of developing diabetes in near future). More than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early. Adults with diabetes have a two- to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Diabetic retinopathy is an important cause of blindness and occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. Diabetes is among the leading causes of kidney failure.
India accounts for 17% of total number of diabetes patients in the world, about 80 million currently, estimated to rise to 135 million by 2045.
The event was graced by the illustrious Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Padma Vibhushan awardee and renowned cultural icon. Known for her lifelong dedication to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, Dr. Mansingh shared her unique perspective on how the arts can promote health, balance, and harmony within the mind, body, and spirit—core values that resonate deeply with the principles of naturopathy. As Founder-President of the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, Dr. Mansingh has inspired generations to embrace active and healthy lifestyles through her advocacy and teaching. She engaged the audience with a keynote address on the incredible self-healing powers of the body, how to treat the body as a temple and recalled ancestral wisdom in order to remain healthy.
Joining her on stage was an impressive panel of medical professionals, including leaders from the Venu Naturopathy Centre and other top institutions, who explored an integrated approach to diabetes care. Dr. Maurya, Medical Director of the Venu Naturopathy Centre, shared his insights into the unique role of naturopathy in managing diabetes effectively. Brig. Dr. Dogra, Medical Director of the Venu Eye Institute and Research Centre, highlighted the effects of diabetes on vision health, emphasizing the need for regular screenings.
Dr. Puneet Misra, a respected professor of Community Medicine at AIIMS, presented his latest research on Yoga Therapy and its measurable impact on diabetes at the community level, while Dr. Anoop Misra, Executive Chairman of Fortis Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, shared groundbreaking insights on diabetes in South Asian populations.Attendees were not only inspired by these thought leaders but also left with practical strategies, including dietary planning, stress management techniques, and targeted exercises to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels. The conference highlighted the importance of a multidimensional approach to diabetes management, bringing together
traditional and holistic practices to inspire lasting lifestyle changes.
“Our mission at the Venu Naturopathy Centre is to empower individuals with knowledge and resources to improve their health naturally,” said Ms. Tanuja Joshi, Managing Director at Venu Naturopathy Centre. “This event exemplifies our commitment to community education and holistic health, especially in tackling chronic conditions like diabetes.”
In addition to the informative sessions, the event featured an awards ceremony for winners of the “Managing Diabetes through Healthy Living” inter-school drawing competition, an initiative aimed at spreading diabetes awareness among the young and encouraging young
people to creatively express their understanding of diabetes prevention.
The Venu Naturopathy Centre remains dedicated to spreading awareness on managing lifestyle diseases through a combination of naturopathy, modern healthcare practices, and community engagement. This World Diabetes Day event served as a valuable platform to inspire positive lifestyle changes, support disease prevention, and foster better health outcomes for all.
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