Hoshiarpur:- Livasa Hospital Hoshiarpur on Monday emphasized the growing need for early awareness about diabetes among people of all age groups.
Consultant in Internal Medicine Dr. Manveer Singh said, "Diabetes is no longer limited to the elderly. In India, an estimated 89.8 million adults were living with diabetes in 2024, while approximately 300,788 children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years are affected by type-1 diabetes. In view of the growing problem of obesity among children, the need for early awareness and adopting a healthy lifestyle has become more important than ever."
Emphasizing that diabetes management should not rely only on medicines, he said that diabetes care does not simply mean lowering blood sugar levels.
"What a person eats, how active they are, how well they sleep and how they manage stress—all these factors can affect their overall health and diabetes control. Instead of trying to change everything at once, small and consistent changes are often more sustainable."
Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate blood glucose effectively. In type-2 diabetes, insulin resistance and reduced insulin production play a major role, while genetics, excess weight, physical inactivity, dietary habits, age and other health conditions increase the risk. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels.
Recommending practical and sustainable changes instead of a strict diet plan, Dr. Singh said that healthy eating can be adopted without giving up traditional Indian food by including balanced meals, appropriate portions, more vegetables, fibre and adequate protein, while reducing processed food, added sugar and sugary beverages.
He advised regular activities such as daily walking, increasing physical activity or taking a short walk after meals, depending on an individual's health and fitness level.