Diabetes in India has moved from being a health condition to a constant presence in many households. It is no longer limited to age or lifestyle stereotypes. Young adults, working professionals, and even those who seem physically active are being diagnosed at an increasing rate.



Limited access to healthcare, uneven distribution of specialists, and rising treatment costs often slow down timely intervention. Even though the doctor-to-patient ratio stands at 1:834, better than the global recommendation, the reality on the ground feels different. Many still struggle to reach the right doctor at the right time.



There is also a softer, less discussed layer to this issue. A lack of awareness and everyday myths often shape how diabetes is managed. This is where conversations, not just consultations, begin to matter.



What TOI Medithon aims to do

TOI Medithon unites physicians, specialists, and the general public on a single platform in an attempt to promote healthcare discussions. The concept is simple: make trustworthy health information widely accessible and easy to understand.



The upcoming Diabetes Medithon 4 on March 26 focuses on real-life concerns. It helps us look beyond clinical definitions and enter everyday life. This is where decisions around food, family, and routine shape long-term health.



The discussions are designed to feel less like lectures and more like meaningful exchanges. Each session carries voices from experienced endocrinologists who deal with diabetes management daily.



When care becomes collective: The role of family and caregivers

Managing diabetes rarely remains an individual effort. It becomes a shared responsibility within families. Right from meal planning to medication reminders.



This session brings together three experienced voices:



Dr Chitra S, Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology , MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru

Dr Belinda George, Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology, St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru

Dr Archana Juneja, Consultant Endocrinologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai



The discussion is expected to explore how emotional and practical support can influence outcomes. It also looks at the silent pressure caregivers often carry and how that can be balanced better.



There is a quiet truth here. Diabetes care does not end at the clinic door. It continues at the dining table, in daily habits, and in shared routines.



Clearing the noise: Addressing myths in diabetes management

Diabetes is surrounded by advice. Some of it is helpful, but much of it can be misleading. From “avoiding sugar completely” to “home remedies can replace medication,” myths often travel faster than facts.



The panel for this session consists of:

Dr Hema Singh, Consultant Endocrinologist, MetroMas Heart & Multispecialty Hospital, Jaipur

Dr Anshu Alok, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi

Dr Vasireddy Nayana Tara, Consultant Endocrinologist, Citizens Hospital, Hyderabad



It is expected that the seminar will debunk common myths and clarify what really works. It emphasizes evidence-based care while maintaining accessible and clear explanations.



Years of uncertainty and poor management can be avoided with a better knowledge of this.





Why these discussions are important right now

India's healthcare system is getting better, but there are still problems. How well people get care, how much it costs, and how much they know about it all affect how diseases like diabetes are managed. Events like this Medithon are trying to bridge that gap, even if it's a gradual process.




Watch TOI Medithon