Dr. Sunil Gupta provided detailed guidance on diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and lifestyle-related health risks. He explained that diabetes management must be individualised, with treatment goals varying according to age, duration of diabetes, and associated conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. Modern diabetes medications, he noted, not only help control blood sugar but also offer protective benefits for vital organs.

Dr. Gupta highlighted that rising obesity, reduced physical activity, excessive screen time, and rapid lifestyle changes have made Indians especially vulnerable to diabetes. He explained the role of insulin resistance, visceral (abdominal) fat, and genetic factors, stressing that waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio are more important risk markers than body weight alone. The discussion also covered fasting and post-meal blood sugar patterns, dawn phenomenon, Somogyi effect, and the importance of correct insulin dosing.

Emphasising prevention, Dr. Gupta stated that prediabetes can be reversed through lifestyle modification, including regular exercise, weight control, and healthy eating, often without medication. He concluded by describing diabetes as a lifestyle condition rather than a disease, urging people to focus on early testing, sustained lifestyle discipline, and long-term awareness to prevent complications.

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta

Anchor- Purva Kulkarni

Podcast: 28/11/2025

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Episode: 105

The session featured Dr. Sunil Gupta and Dr. Kavita Gupta, who provided detailed guidance on diabetes awareness, prevention, and long-term management.

Dr. Sunil Gupta explained the historical significance of the discovery of insulin by Frederick Banting and highlighted how insulin transformed the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes. He stressed that type 2 diabetes is largely a lifestyle-related condition and warned that India is facing an epidemic, with nearly one in four adults (above 18 years age) are affected by diabetes or prediabetes, so called dysglycemia. He emphasised early screening, weight control, regular exercise, stress management, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol to prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, retinopathy, kidney failure, and limb amputations.

Dr. Sunil Gupta also discussed the concepts of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, stating that many diabetes-related complications are preventable through timely intervention and awareness. He explained the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and recent advances aimed at delaying the onset of Type 1 diabetes.

Responding to audience queries, Dr. Kavita Gupta highlighted the importance of balanced nutrition in children and adolescents, regular meal timing, reduced screen time, and physical activity. She explained early warning signs of diabetes in children while answering one query she advised to stop using sugar, jaggery, or honey, as they all raise blood glucose levels.

The programme concluded with a strong message that diabetes can be prevented and controlled through disciplined lifestyle choices, awareness, and community support.

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta

Anchor- Purva Kulkarni

Podcast: 14/11/2025

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Episode: 104

Dr. Sunil Gupta spoke in detail about the growing link between obesity, diabetes, pregnancy-related risks, and modern lifestyle habits. He explained that obesity—particularly abdominal or visceral fat—is a major driver of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and other metabolic complications. Dr. Gupta expressed that Indians are especially vulnerable due to a tendency toward central obesity even at lower body weight, making early screening through BMI and waist circumference measurements essential.

Dr. Gupta highlighted that unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, and high consumption of fast food and sugary beverages are key contributors to the rising burden of diabetes among children, adolescents, and young adults. He stressed that gestational diabetes and poor glucose control during pregnancy significantly increase the lifetime risk of diabetes for both the mother and the child. Breastfeeding, regular physical activity, post-delivery weight management, and long-term follow-up were emphasized as important protective measures.

Addressing common myths, Dr. Gupta clarified that diabetes is not caused by sugar alone but by sustained excess calorie intake, insulin resistance, and genetic predisposition. He also strongly warned against tobacco use in any form, stating that it accelerates diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, and limb-threatening gangrene. The session concluded with a clear preventive message—eat less, walk more, sleep well, and smile (to reduce stress)

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta

Anchor- Bhavana Lokhande

Podcast: 23/01/2026

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Episode: 103

Extreme cold exposure can have a significant impact on people with diabetes, especially those with long-standing disease and pre-existing vasculopathy. Dr. Gupta explained that vasoconstriction and vascular damage in people with diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral gangrene. He advised avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, maintaining body warmth, and seeking immediate medical care if warning symptoms appear.

A major portion of the discussion centered on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dr. Gupta noted that blood glucose levels below 70 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, while levels below 54 mg/dL can cause significant symptoms. He highlighted common causes, including long gaps between meals, prolonged action of insulin or certain oral medications like sulfonylureas, kidney dysfunction, and the use of some painkillers or antibiotics. The concept of hypoglycemia unawareness, caused by autonomic neuropathy, was explained as a dangerous condition in which warning symptoms may be absent.

Dr. Rakesh Parikh (Jaipur) added that wide glucose fluctuations and long duration of diabetes increase the risk of autonomic dysfunction. He emphasized the role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices in identifying unnoticed low-sugar episodes and preventing serious complications. He also reinforced the need for regular screening of target organs—eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and cholesterol—especially in people with long-standing diabetes.

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Rakesh Parikh (Jaipur)

Anchor- Swati Huddar

Podcast: 09/01/2026

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

In this AIR-Vividhbharti live phone-in program, Dr. Sunil Gupta focused on the growing diabetes epidemic in India and emphasized the urgent need for early prevention and screening. He highlighted that diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed at a younger age due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, stress, and genetic predisposition. Dr. Gupta pointed out that diabetes often remains silent in its early stages and is frequently detected only after complications have developed.

He advised regular screening after the age of 30–35 years, early recognition of warning symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and vision changes, along with strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol to prevent long-term complications. He further clarified that diabetes “reversal” should be understood as remission, which can be achieved through sustained lifestyle modification, weight management, regular physical activity, and appropriate medical treatment.

Dr. Kavita Gupta, a nutrition and lifestyle expert, addressed practical dietary strategies for diabetes prevention and control, particularly during festive and social occasions. She stressed that moderation, rather than deprivation, is the cornerstone of healthy eating. Dr. Kavita Gupta recommended beginning meals with fiber-rich foods such as salads and vegetables, followed by adequate protein intake then Carbohydrate to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Podcast- 26/12/2025

Anchor- Mrs. Kalyani Gokhale

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta

Dr. Sunil Gupta explained the complications of diabetes in simple and easily understandable language, highlighting the serious consequences of long-term uncontrolled blood sugar. He stated that persistent hyperglycaemia leads to microvascular complications such as diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, while major events like heart attack, stroke, and gangrene are associated with diseases of the large blood vessels.

He described early symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including burning sensation, numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet, and urged patients not to ignore these warning signs. Dr. Gupta clearly emphasized that diabetes control cannot be achieved by medicines alone. He stressed the importance of regular monitoring of blood glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, and vitamin levels, along with avoiding wide fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

He described insulin as the safest and most effective treatment for diabetes and cautioned that unnecessary delay in initiating insulin therapy can significantly increase the risk of complications. He also emphasized that before managing gangrene or planning surgery, strict control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with regular walking, quitting smoking and tobacco use, avoiding alcohol, and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, are extremely important to improve outcomes and prevent limb loss.

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta

Anchor- Mrs. Purva Kulkarni

Podcast: 12/12/2025

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur    

Episode:100

Dr. Sunil Gupta highlighted that insulin remains the most effective and life-saving treatment for diabetes, especially when oral medications fail. He explained that many people with Type 2 diabetes eventually require insulin, and delaying its initiation can lead to serious complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney disease, heart disease and diabetic foot problems. Addressing common fears, he clarified that modern insulin pens are almost painless and newer insulin analogues closely mimic natural insulin action, significantly reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia, particularly at night. He stressed the importance of regular blood sugar monitoring, HbA1c testing and annual health check-ups after 30 years of age, noting that many individuals with diabetes may remain asymptomatic. He also drew attention to insulin-requiring diabetes in undernourished adults in India and the need for timely specialist referral.

Kavita Gupta emphasized healthy dietary practices, explaining why whole fruits are better than fruit juices due to fiber and lower glycaemic index. She advised consuming low-GI foods and shared practical tips to prevent hypoglycaemia through timely meals and planned nutrition, especially for children, the elderly, and physically active individuals.

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta

Anchor- Mrs. Shraddha Bharadwaj

Podcast: 10/05/2019

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur    

Episode: 99

Dr. Sunil Gupta emphasized that World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14, marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin. Today, it is not limited to a single day but observed throughout November as a month of awareness activities. Among the elderly, diabetes often coexists with complications like high risk of hypoglycemia, associated neuropathy, and other health issues, making regular monitoring, proper medication, hydration, and adequate sleep is essential.

Diabetic neuropathy, which causes tingling or numbness in the feet, results from nerve damage but can be reversible in the early stages through good sugar control, exercise and timely check-ups.

While answering the query he advised that diabetes should not be hidden—informing friends or colleagues ensures timely help during a low-sugar episode. Insulin remains a lifeline for Type1 diabetes, and over time, many with Type 2 diabetes may also require it.

Dr. Kavita Gupta highlighted that stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can raise blood sugar levels. Thus, making meditation, positive thinking, and balanced routines is vital. During festivals, healthier options such as fruit baskets or nuts can replace sweets.

She added that people with prediabetes should begin focusing on diet, weight, and exercise now to help prevent a future diabetes epidemic.

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta

Anchor- Mrs. Kalyani Gokhale

Podcast: 31/10/2025

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur    

Episode: 98

Dr. Sunil Gupta addressed several common diabetes-related myths—especially those that spread during festivals—such as the false belief that diabetes spreads through touch, that bitter gourd juice is a cure, or that eating sweets directly causes diabetes. He clarified that such misconceptions can misguide people and delay proper care. Dr. Gupta explained that tingling or numbness in the hands and feet is not always due to high sugar levels; it can also be caused by nerve pressure, sitting posture, or Vitamin B12 deficiency. In Type 2 diabetes, medicines may reduce with disciplined lifestyle changes, but complete cure is rare. Diabetes may get “reversed” in specific situations such as gestational diabetes after delivery, stress-induced diabetes, or after bariatric surgery.

He also highlighted that children’s late-night gaming habits harm mental health and sometimes require psychological guidance. Dr. Gupta discussed the stages of Diabetic Retinopathy, noting that retinal damage cannot be reversed, though progression can be slowed with timely treatment. Conditions like Vitamin D3/B12 deficiency, infections, high BP, or glaucoma can also affect vision—so both diabetes and eye specialists should be consulted. Dr. Gupta emphasized that diabetes is a lifestyle condition and individuals should not be labeled as “patients.”

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta  

Anchor- Mrs. Shraddha Bharadwaj    

Podcast: 11/10/2019

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur

Throughout the session, Dr. Sunil Gupta shared practical and easy-to-follow advice on managing diabetes effectively in daily life. He emphasized the importance of moderation during festivals, advising people to enjoy the “sweetness of words” rather than consuming excessive sweets. A positive attitude, self-discipline, and mindful choices, he said, are crucial for maintaining good health.

Dr. Gupta encouraged individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar regularly using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system to understand their glucose trends and make timely adjustments in diet, medication, and physical activity. Highlighting that 50–70% of people with diabetes are overweight, he explained the “Fit Fat Concept,” which means that even if a person carries extra weight, staying active and physically fit can significantly reduce diabetes-related risks.

He also recommended avoiding HFSS foods (High Fat, High Salt, and High Sugar) and instead including more fiber-rich foods, vegetables, and fruits in the daily diet. Stressing the importance of consistent exercise, proper hydration, and stress control, Dr. Gupta concluded that diabetes management goes beyond medicines — it requires awareness, lifestyle balance, and a positive mindset for long-term well-being.

Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta  

Anchor- Mrs. Shraddha Bharadwaj    

Podcast: 25/10/2019

Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur    

Episode: 96