Experts advise lifestyle changes for diabetes remission 

KARACHI: Addressing a recent workshop titled 'Diabetes Remission through Lifestyle Modification,' experts shed light on the feasibility of achieving diabetes remission through lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on lifelong medications or insulin.

Dr Munira Abbasi, a specialist in lifestyle medicine, says that individuals can attain diabetes remission, eliminating the need for daily medication or insulin, by embracing lifestyle changes. "All it takes is adopting a healthy, unprocessed diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, avoiding addictive substances, prioritizing restorative sleep, and fostering strong social connections," Dr Abbasi said during the workshop held in Karachi.

Organized under the Discovering Diabetes Project in collaboration with local firm PharmEvo, the workshop aimed to debunk myths surrounding diabetes while promoting awareness about the potential for lifestyle interventions.

Attended by senior and mid-career healthcare professionals, endocrinologists, and medical graduates from across the country, the event underscored the preventability of diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr Abbasi, triple board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, and lifestyle medicine, shared her professional journey, emphasizing her transition to prioritizing lifestyle interventions after years of practice both in the United States and Pakistan. "I realized that as doctors, we must evolve to empower patients to take an active role in improving their health," she stated, explaining her embrace of lifestyle medicine.

Highlighting the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, Dr. Abbasi emphasized plant-based nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, avoidance of harmful substances, restorative sleep, and nurturing social connections. She highlighted the significance of social ties, particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic when social distancing measures were enforced, referencing the Grant Study conducted by Harvard University, spanning over 80 years, which demonstrated the profound impact of social connections on health and longevity.

Renowned diabetologist Prof. Dr. Abdul Basit also addressed the workshop, noting the staggering prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan and urging individuals to prioritize lifestyle improvements for prevention and control. "Type 2 diabetes is largely influenced by lifestyle factors, making prevention paramount. Even for those already diagnosed, lifestyle medicine offers a path to lead a normal life," he stressed.

In conclusion, the workshop emphasized the transformative potential of lifestyle changes in achieving diabetes remission and highlighted the importance of holistic approaches in managing this prevalent chronic condition.