Doctors turn spotlight on nutrition as incidence of metabolic diseases rises

New Delhi: With recent studies showing diabetes prevalence at 11.4%, pre-diabetes at 15.3%, and metabolic syndrome affecting one in three adults, the doctors are increasingly turning to evidence-based nutrition to move healthcare beyond symptom management toward long-term disease prevention.

“Nutrition is not an adjunct to treatment; it is foundational to prevention and recovery,” said Dr Rajeena Shahin, Medical Director of PAN India. “When clinicians are equipped with evidence-based nutrition knowledge, we move from disease management to true health restoration,” Dr Shahin said, adding that “Embedding this evidence into healthcare systems and medical education is essential for sustained population-level impact.”

“There is a clear shift among clinicians who want to meaningfully integrate nutrition into their practice, not as an add-on, but as a core part of patient care,” said Dr Prathima Kini, Chair of PAN India’s Bengaluru City Chapter.

Medical education institutions are also showing growing interest in this approach. “What is particularly encouraging is the enthusiasm from medical colleges and professional bodies to integrate evidence-based nutrition into curricula and training programmes,” noted Dr Mahesh, City Chapter Director.

The Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) India held its 50th Signature Continuing Medical Education programme recently in Bengaluru, where more than 600 doctors, specialists and public health experts from across the country discussed dietary strategies for obesity and metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, cardio-metabolic risk, and the role of nutrition in healthy ageing and longevity.

The CME featured an eminent panel of national experts, including Dr. Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, one of India’s foremost authorities on diabetes and metabolic health.

The event was attended by Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, and Sowmya Reddy, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (MLA, Jayanagar constituency) and a prominent advocate for public health, women’s empowerment, and social welfare. Both emphasised integrating evidence-based nutrition into healthcare systems and public policy to combat lifestyle-related diseases.

The 50th Signature CME was supported by main sponsors and partners: Proveg International, Philips, Novo Nordisk, Sparsh Hospital, Oatey, PROT, Hello Tempayy, Tofu Guys.