Lifeness Science Institute organises conference on diabetes

Concludes with a collective call for action and commitment to prevent diabetes Lifeness Science Institute (LSI) recently organised a two-day international conference on - Pre-diabetes to Diabetes: the Trajectory of Concern - a Presentation of VishwaSwasthyam 2024 in Mumbai. The conference delved deep into the pressing issue of pre-diabetes condition and its trajectory towards diabetes. The conference was preceded by two content and skill-oriented workshops. The event attracted eminent national and international experts who shared their invaluable insights on various aspects of prediabetes, including diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and management. Dr Daksha Shah - Deputy Executive Health Officer, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) highlighted the initiatives of MCGM towards the prevention of diabetes in the population. The inaugural session was graced by Luke Coutinho, Dr Ancy Jose, Director, MKES Group of Institutions and Dr (Prof) Moushumi Datta, Principal, Nagindas Khandwala College along with Prof Dr Subhadra Mandalika Advisor Lifeness Science Institute Gopal Sharma and Vipul Solanki, Director Future Varsity Education Group and LSI. Day one of the conference featured a keynote address by Dr V Mohan- a renowned diabetologist. Dr Mohan highlighted the diagnostic criteria for prediabetes and drew attention to the alarming rate at which it progresses to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in India. He emphasised the critical importance of early detection and intervention. Subsequent sessions of Day one explored a wide range of topics related to prediabetes, including its prevalence, risk factors, mental health connections, and the role of gut microbiota. Experts like Dr Shashank Joshi, Dr Dheeraj Kapoor and Dr Tetyana Rocks (Australia) provided comprehensive insights, offering attendees a holistic understanding of prediabetes. The conference also featured discussions on the long-term consequences of prediabetes and effective assessment methods. A panel of expert dietitians from the Indian Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition group shared their knowledge, covering topics such as anthropometry, body composition analysis, and biomarkers for pre-diabetes assessment. Eminent experts like Dr Anuradha Khadilkar, Dr Archana Juneja, and Dr Mansi Patil equipped attendees with valuable tools for identifying individuals at risk. Dr Suvarna Patil presented findings from a comprehensive study conducted in rural Maharashtra, highlighting significant health challenges in the region, including a high prevalence of pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. Dr Patil's insights underscored the need for holistic interventions and lifestyle modifications to promote better health in rural areas, emphasising the urgency of addressing prediabetes in diverse populations. Day one concluded with an engaging dialogue between Sheetal Joshi, a renowned dietitian, and Dr Neeta Deshpande, a diabetologist, exploring the possibility of pre-diabetes remission and offering practical insights for individuals at risk. Day two began with an inspiring address by Coutinho, an acclaimed Integrative lifestyle coach. Mr. Coutinho stressed the importance of personalized lifestyle interventions tailored to an individual's unique characteristics, emphasizing the role of addressing root causes in preventing and managing prediabetes. Scientific sessions on Day two focussed on nutrition, metabolism, macronutrients, micronutrients and precision nutrition in the context of Pre-diabetes. Experts like Dr Datta Patel, Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran (Singapore), G Bhanuprakash Reddy, and Dr Geeta Dharmatti shared their profound knowledge and research findings. These sessions provided attendees with evidence-based insights into the critical aspects of pre-diabetes management, including dietary considerations and metabolic adaptations. A group of dietitians from the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) addressed issues related to faulty eating behaviours through power talks. These talks covered topics such as unmindful eating/food selection, non-judicious use of sweeteners, untimely eating habits, and faulty food choices, providing practical strategies for dietary behaviour modification in preventing and managing prediabetes. The importance of exercise as a key pillar of a healthy lifestyle was highlighted by experts like Dr Ashish Contractor, emphasising its significant impact on insulin sensitivity and overall well-being. Puja Heliwal, a Yoga Expert, shared insights into the benefits of Yoga in prediabetes management, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The scientific sessions concluded with a valedictory address by Dr Chittaranjan Yajnik, Director and Consultant of the Diabetes Unit at KEM Hospital, Pune. Dr Yajnik presented practical strategies for preventing prediabetes, drawing on his extensive experience in the field, leaving attendees with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose in tackling prediabetes. In addition to presentations and discussions, the conference provided a platform for researchers to share their research outcomes. Approximately 50 scientific abstracts were submitted from across India, showcasing the latest research in the field. A select few were chosen for oral presentations, and others were featured in poster presentation competitions. The winners were recognised with the prestigious VishwaSwasthyam Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards, acknowledging their contributions to advancing knowledge in pre-diabetes research.