LSI conducts the first ever global conference sounding the alarm on Prediabetes: Vishwa Swasthyam 2024

Lifeness Science Institute (LSI) conducted the first ever two-day international conference on Prediabetes – Vishwa Swasthyam 2024, on the 5th and 6th of January at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. This significant event highlighted the concerning surge of prediabetes, an often overlooked condition affecting millions globally, and its crucial contribution to the escalating diabetes crisis in India. LSI is India’s premier academic partner for prestigious institutions affiliated to University of Mumbai such as Malad Kandivali Education Society Nagindas Khandwala College, B.K. Birla College and The IPA-MSB’s Bombay College of Pharmacy and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Integrative Nutrition and Dietetics.

Reputed organizations like Nutrition Society of India (Mumbai Chapter), Indian Dietetics Association (IDA), Diabetes Core group - Indian Association of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Association of Sports Nutrition & Fitness Sciences, DENMA Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and Academy for Skills in Nutrition, Health & Research collaborated for the conference along with eminent national and international experts who shared insights on prediabetes, its diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and management.

Dr. Daksha Shah, Deputy Executive Health Officer, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) highlighted the initiatives of MCGM towards prevention of diabetes in the population. 

The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Luke Coutinho, Dr. (Mrs.) Ancy Jose, Director, MKES Group of Institutions and Dr. (Prof.) Moushumi Datta, Principal, Nagindas Khandwala College along with Mr. Gopal Sharma and Mr. Vipul Solanki, Director Future Varsity Education Group and LSI.

On Day 1 of the conference, Padma Shri Dr. V. Mohan, a renowned diabetologist and pioneer in diabetes research emphasized the diagnostic criteria of prediabetes and the alarming rate of its conversion to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in India (58.9%). He underscored the significance of an active lifestyle and appropriate dietary interventions in reversing prediabetes, highlighting the importance of early detection.

This was followed by Padmashri Dr. Shashank Joshi and Dr.Dheeraj Kapoor  stressing on the prevalence and risk factors of prediabetes. Dr. Tetyana Rocks, APD  Senior Research Fellow from Deakin University, Australia delivered an excellent session on the links between mental health, gut microbiota and prediabetes. “Modulating the gut microbiota may offer novel strategies for maintaining optimum mental health and preventing and managing prediabetes. Supplementation with certain probiotic strains may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, supporting both mental health and mitigating prediabetes risk” she said.

The conference also featured discussions on the long-term consequences of prediabetes and effective assessment methods. A panel of expert dietitians from the Indian Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition group shared their knowledge, covering topics such as anthropometry, body composition analysis, and biomarkers for prediabetes assessment. Eminent experts like Dr. Anuradha Khadilkar, Dr. Archana Juneja, and Dr. Mansi Patil equipped attendees with valuable tools for identifying individuals at risk.

Dr. Suvarna Patil presented findings from a comprehensive study conducted in rural Maharashtra, highlighting significant health challenges in the region, including a high prevalence of prediabetes, pre-hypertension, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. The research, involving 1520 adolescent girls aged 16-18, unveiled significant health challenges. Prediabetes was prevalent at 39.4%, along with pre-hypertension (2%) and low HDL (12.7%). Poor dietary diversity and a high waist-hip ratio (3.6%) were observed. Insulin resistance increased with BMI. Dr. Patil's insights underscored the need for holistic interventions and lifestyle modifications to promote better health in rural areas, emphasizing the urgency of addressing prediabetes in diverse populations.   

Day 1 concluded with an engaging dialogue between Ms. Sheetal Joshi, a renowned dietitian, and Dr. Neeta Deshpande, a diabetologist, exploring the possibility of prediabetes remission and offering practical insights for individuals at risk.

On Day 2 Mr. Luke Coutinho, an acclaimed Integrative lifestyle coach, stressed the importance of personalized lifestyle interventions tailored to an individual's unique characteristics, emphasizing the role of addressing root causes in preventing and managing prediabetes.

Scientific sessions on Day 2 focused on nutrition, metabolism, macronutrients, micronutrients, and precision nutrition in the context of prediabetes. Experts like Dr. Datta Patel, Dr. Kalpana Bhaskaran, G Bhanuprakash Reddy, and Dr. Geeta Dharmatti shared their profound knowledge and research findings. These sessions provided attendees with evidence-based insights into the critical aspects of prediabetes management, including dietary considerations and metabolic adaptations.

A group of eminent dietitians from the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) addressed issues related to faulty eating behaviors through power talks. These talks covered topics such as unmindful eating/food selection, non-judicious use of sweeteners, untimely eating habits, and faulty food choices, providing practical strategies for dietary behavior modification in preventing and managing prediabetes.

The importance of exercise as a key pillar of a healthy lifestyle was highlighted by experts like Dr. Ashish Contractor, emphasizing its significant impact on insulin sensitivity and overall well-being. Ms. Puja Heliwal, a Yoga Expert, shared insights into the benefits of Yoga in prediabetes management, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The scientific sessions concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Chittaranjan Yajnik, Director and Consultant of the Diabetes Unit at KEM Hospital, Pune. Dr. Yajnik presented practical strategies for preventing prediabetes, drawing on his extensive experience in the field, leaving attendees with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose in tackling prediabetes.

In addition to presentations and discussions, the conference provided a platform for researchers to share their research outcomes. Approximately 50 scientific abstracts were submitted from across India, showcasing the latest research in the field. A select few were chosen for oral presentations, and others were featured in poster presentation competitions. The winners were recognized with the prestigious VishwaSwasthyam best oral and poster presentation awards, acknowledging their contributions to advancing knowledge in prediabetes research.

In summary, the two-day "VishwaSwasthyam 2024" International Conference was a resounding success, contributing significantly to the knowledge and skills of all participants. It emphasized the importance of comprehensive approaches, lifestyle interventions, and personalized strategies in addressing the pressing global health concern of prediabetes and its prevention.