Many people worry that once they develop diabetes, they will have to live with many restrictions for the rest of their lives, and that their health will gradually deteriorate. But my firm belief is that even with diabetes, one can live a long, healthy, and happy life.
If the disease is detected early, proper treatment is taken, and the necessary changes are made in diet, exercise, and daily life, people with diabetes can also live a long life in good health. A great example of this is the 10 achievers we honored on this year’s World Diabetes Day (Nov. 14). On behalf of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Speciality Centre, we honored 10 people who have been living with type 2 diabetes for more than 50 years by presenting them with the “Dr. V. Mohan Diabetes Golden Jubilee Award.” Their life journeys give all of us great hope and inspiration.
What is the secret behind their living healthily for so many years?
Looking at their lives, one thing becomes clear. It is very important to keep diabetes under careful control. They have paid attention to their diet. They have continued to exercise. They have also given importance to getting enough sleep and maintaining mental peace. Above all, they have taken the medicines prescribed by the doctor without fail and have also undergone medical checkups at regular intervals. I would like to explain the four important things that everyone with diabetes should keep in mind, using the simple AAIEE method.
The ABCD method for controlling diabetes
A - HbA1c (average blood sugar level)
The HbA1c test can tell you what your blood sugar level has been over the past three months. Generally, this should be kept below 7 percent. However, the doctor will set the target according to each person’s age and health condition. Keeping blood sugar under control helps prevent damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
B - Blood pressure
It is not enough to control only blood sugar. Blood pressure must also be kept under control. Generally, it is good to keep it at 120/80. Ask your doctor to find out the right target for you.
E - Cholesterol
The level of bad cholesterol in the blood must also be kept under control. Otherwise, the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke may increase.
E - Disciplined Lifestyle:
Eating meals on time, choosing healthy foods, exercising every day, taking medicines regularly, and going for regular checkups with the doctor are essential. You should exercise for at least 150 minutes a week.
The work we do to help people with diabetes live healthily:
At Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Speciality Centre, our work does not end with merely controlling diabetes. Our main goal is to help patients live long, healthy, active, and confident lives. To achieve this, we provide a range of services, including treatment tailored to each person’s health condition and needs, comprehensive medical checkups, tests to detect diabetes-related complications at an early stage, dietary counseling, and exercise plans.
We have a Healthy Aging Clinic (a specialized medical department for healthy aging) that helps older adults stay healthy and active even in their later years, and live as independently as possible without depending on others. We provide personalized diet plans and nutritional counseling to help them follow eating habits suited to each person’s health condition. To reduce the difficulty older adults face in coming to the hospital, we also run Home Care Solutions services, which provide medical assistance and care services right at their homes.
What we want to say on this World Diabetes Day...
No one should assume that once diabetes develops, it is no longer possible to live a healthy life.
The lives of our Golden Jubilee award winners, who have been living with diabetes for more than 50 years, are the best proof of this. I believe their experiences will give hope and confidence to everyone with diabetes.
My dream - an India free from the effects of diabetes!
As a diabetes doctor, I have had a dream for a long time. That is, an India should be created that is free from the complications of diabetes.
No one should lose their sight because of diabetes. No one should have to lose their legs. The kidneys should not fail. No one should suffer from serious health problems, including heart attacks.
For this dream to come true, first people must become aware. Diabetes should be detected early, and the right treatment should be started. Instead of looking only at blood sugar levels, the health of organs such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, and legs must also be monitored continuously.
The lives of the 10 people who received our Golden Jubilee Award convey an important message to us. Diabetes is not the end of life. With proper treatment and a disciplined lifestyle, one can live a long and healthy life.
Let us not stop at merely controlling blood sugar; let us prevent the complications caused by diabetes and ensure a healthy life.
Warm wishes to everyone on World Diabetes Awareness Day!
Even with diabetes, one can live a long and healthy life.

