
Eliminating unhealthy habits is crucial for controlling diabetes and preventing it, said Dr. K. Sreekumaran Nair, a renowned endocrinologist and researcher at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. He was delivering a talk on “Altered Energetics and Health Ramifications” at Mahatma Gandhi University.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe health issues, including dementia. The increasing number of diabetes patients in Kerala may be attributed to the high consumption of rice-based diets. Prioritising a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits, along with regular exercise, can help keep diabetes at bay. Dr. Nair noted that it is unfortunate many believe medication alone is sufficient to control the disease. Without significant lifestyle changes, the threat of diabetes cannot be eliminated.
Doctors must take the initiative to educate patients about proper dietary habits and the importance of exercise. If time constraints prevent this, distributing simple and easy-to-understand pamphlets to the public should be considered.Adequate facilities for exercise must be arranged in all localities. Parents should also focus on instilling healthy habits in children, rather than giving priority solely to academics and work, Dr. Nair emphasised.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) C. T. Aravindakumar, Syndicate members Dr. K.R. Baiju and Dr. Joji P. Alex and Director of the Graduate School, Dr. K. Jayachandran were among those who participated in the event. The programme was jointly organised by the School of Environmental Sciences and the School of Biosciences of Mahatma Gandhi University.