Nagpur: The 10th Hello Diabetes Academia Summit in Nagpur offered a lively take on how to achieve successful diabetes management. Leading diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta shared his valuable ‘7-point theory’ which resonated with the audience. Dr Gupta emphasised that maintaining certain thresholds of HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), blood pressure and LDL cholesterol can significantly reduce diabetic complications. “Aim for HbA1c below 7, blood pressure below 130/80 and LDL cholesterol below 100,” he advised, highlighting the startling fact that only 18% of people achieve this level of control. However, Dr Gupta went beyond these standard guidelines to address the unique needs of Indians. “We have observed that Indians have a different physiological makeup than Westerners, and this difference is also reflected in the exercise recommendations,” he said. While US guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, Dr Gupta, citing research, suggested an even loftier target for Indians. “It may take 50-60 minutes of exercise to get the same results as Americans who exercise for 30 minutes,” he said. He recommended aiming for a total of 300 minutes of moderate exercise each week for optimal management. The summit also featured information sessions on patient empowerment through digital health tools, managing diabetes-related cardiac complications, and promoting physical activity among children and adolescents. The afternoon session of the Hello Diabetes Academia Summit also introduced “Thandav,” a novel high-intensity dance routine designed specifically for adolescent girls. Created by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), the program aims to promote fitness and health in this age group. Dr. RM Anjana and Dr. Ranjani Harish, senior scientists at MDRF, are the architects of “Thandav.” The name of the program is an acronym for “Teaching High-Intensity Interval Training and Dance to Youth to Beat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).” The dance moves were meticulously crafted with the help of researchers, diabetologists, fitness experts and choreographers, with a focus on having women on the development team. “Our target audience is girls aged 10-17, particularly in conservative, non-urban parts of India,” explains Dr Anjana. “These girls often have limited access to gyms or formal exercise classes outside of their homes. ‘Thandav’ offers them a fun and easy way to get the exercise they need.”
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