Experts emphasized that diabetes remission, eliminating the need for lifelong medication or insulin, is achievable through the adoption of lifestyle medicine.
In a groundbreaking workshop held in Karachi, experts emphasized that diabetes remission, eliminating the need for lifelong medication or insulin, is achievable through the adoption of lifestyle medicine. This approach focuses on six fundamental pillars: healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, restorative sleep, and strong social connections.
Dr. Munira Abbasi, a leading expert in lifestyle medicine associated with the Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine in Islamabad, delivered a keynote address at the event titled ‘Diabetes Remission Through Lifestyle Modification’. The workshop, organized under the Discovering Diabetes project of PharmEvo, drew participation from senior healthcare professionals, endocrinologists, and medical graduates nationwide.
Dr. Abbasi underscored the transformative potential of lifestyle medicine, recounting her journey from practicing in the United States to pioneering this approach in Pakistan. She highlighted the pivotal role of patient engagement in improving health outcomes, debunking prevalent misconceptions surrounding diabetes management.
The workshop attendees, comprising healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, unanimously acknowledged lifestyle medicine as a paradigm shift in diabetes treatment. They concurred that by embracing a holistic approach to health, diabetes can be both prevented and managed effectively.
Central to lifestyle medicine are the six pillars advocated by Dr. Abbasi, which include adopting a plant-based diet, engaging in regular physical exercise, managing stress levels, abstaining from harmful substances, prioritizing restful sleep, and nurturing social connections. Dr. Abbasi particularly emphasized the significance of social bonds, citing research from the Harvard University Grant Study, which underscores the profound impact of relationships on overall well-being.
Diabetologist Prof. Dr. Abdul Basit, another distinguished speaker at the workshop, underscored the alarming prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan, with millions affected and many undiagnosed. He underscored the urgent need for lifestyle modifications to mitigate the diabetes epidemic, emphasizing that type 2 diabetes is inherently linked to lifestyle factors.
Dr. Basit’s insights echoed the overarching message of the workshop: lifestyle medicine offers a transformative approach to diabetes management, empowering individuals to reclaim control over their health and well-being. By prioritizing preventive measures and holistic lifestyle interventions, individuals can not only prevent diabetes but also achieve remission, leading fulfilling lives free from the constraints of chronic medication.
As the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the integration of lifestyle medicine into mainstream practice emerges as a beacon of hope in the fight against diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases. Through collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities, the vision of a healthier, diabetes-free future becomes increasingly attainable.