Regular exercise, balanced diet and timely monitoring key to preventing diabetes: Experts on World Diabetes Day
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 14, 2025: As the world observes World Diabetes Day, health experts stress that diabetes—now a growing global and national health burden—can largely be prevented or controlled through simple lifestyle changes. This year’s WHO theme, ‘Diabetes and Well-being,’ underscores the need to balance physical and mental health for effective diabetes management.
To mark the occasion, Dr Ravul Jindal, Director, Vascular Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, issued an advisory highlighting the warning signs, causes, prevention strategies and treatment options associated with diabetes.
Diabetes: Understanding the Condition
Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels rise because the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Without proper management, elevated blood sugar can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.
“Diabetes is a major cause of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD),” said Dr Jindal. “Those who have lived with diabetes for over 10 years, have uncontrolled sugar levels, or suffer from hypertension and smoking-related complications are at especially high risk. If not controlled, diabetes can lead to blindness, diabetic foot complications, limb amputation and even premature death.”
Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
According to Dr Jindal, common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination, particularly at night
- Increased hunger
- Constant fatigue due to the body’s inability to use glucose for energy
- Blurred vision caused by fluctuations in eye fluid levels
- Slow-healing wounds due to poor blood circulation
Preventing Diabetes: Lifestyle Is the First Line of Defense
“Prevention begins with maintaining a healthy weight,” Dr Jindal advised.
He recommended:
- Staying physically active, as regular exercise can reduce diabetes risk by nearly 60%
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals
- Reducing consumption of sugary foods, saturated fats and processed meats
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Managing stress, which is directly linked to blood sugar fluctuations
Treatment Options and Long-term Management
Emphasizing the importance of strict medical management, Dr Jindal said,
“Keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control is crucial to prevent damage to blood vessels. Lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal body weight—form the foundation of effective management.”
Treatment plans may also include oral medication or insulin therapy, depending on the type and severity of diabetes.
As World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder, experts emphasize that timely interventions, awareness and healthy lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk and impact of this chronic disease.