On Saturday, April 18, 2026, 5pm Health Live@ Seniors Today hosted Dr Mitali Joshi, a Senior Diabetologist. She spoke on – Diabetes: Prevention, Control & Complications.
Dr Mitali Josh is a Senior Diabetologist with a special interest in Clinical Metal Toxicology, Metabolic diseases, Preventive Therapy and Integrative Medicine.
Below is a detailed summary of the session with the relevant timestamps:
Understanding Diabetes and Diagnosis
- What is Diabetes?: Dr Joshi explains it as a condition where blood sugar levels stay high due to low insulin secretion or poor insulin uptake in muscles [06:43].
- Essential Tests:
- HBA1C: This measures the 3-month sugar average and is vital for tracking long-term control [09:50].
- Kidney Function/Creatinine: Necessary to ensure prescribed medications are kidney-friendly [10:59].
- Urine Test: Checks for infections or protein leaks from the kidneys [11:15].
- CGM Patches: Continuous glucose monitoring patches (worn for 14 days) help understand daily sugar fluctuations without frequent finger pricks [11:43].
- Symptoms: Common symptoms like frequent urination or excessive thirst usually only appear when sugars are above 300 [12:51]. Between 150-250, patients often feel no symptoms at all [13:16].
Management and Treatment
- Medication: Modern medicine offers over 20 types of drugs tailored to a patient’s weight, liver health, and specific needs [14:11].
- Insulin: Dr. Joshi emphasizes that insulin is a natural substance. It is often necessary when the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin or respond to oral drugs [16:11].
- Remission vs. Reversal: Pre-diabetics can achieve “reversal” through lifestyle changes, while diabetics can achieve “remission” (staying off meds while keeping HBA1C low through strict lifestyle management) [26:40].
Dietary Advice (Q&A)
- Fruits to Avoid: Mangoes, bananas, jackfruit, custard apples, and chikus should be strictly limited as they are starchy and spike sugar levels [22:12], [27:48].
- Recommended Fruits: Apples, pears, guavas, papayas, muskmelons, kiwi, and dragon fruit [33:11].
- Sugar-Free Products: Dr. Joshi warns against sugar-free ice creams and chocolates due to high-calorie milk powder [23:10]. She also advises against sugar-free colas due to chemical additives [24:29].
- Cravings: To stop sweet cravings, she suggests brushing your teeth after meals or using traditional mukwas (fennel seeds/spices) [23:46].
Complications of Diabetes
- Microvascular: Damage to small vessels affecting the eyes (retina/cataracts), kidneys (dysfunction), and feet (burning, swelling, or poor sensation) [19:10].
- Macrovascular: Serious risks of heart disease, stroke, and blockages in the large arteries of the legs [20:04].
- Other Issues: High sugars can lead to liver dysfunction, acid reflux, frequent urine infections, and sexual dysfunction [20:29].
Note: The session concludes by reminding viewers that this information is advisory and to consult a doctor for specific medical concerns [40:50].