Dr Osama Hamdy on How tDNA Can Aid Diabetes Management

The prevalence of diabetes calls for a more stringent and practical approach involving both the treating physicians and the people with diabetes to be aware of how dietary compliance can have a beneficial impact, says Dr Osama Hamdy in this exclusive interview with Reshmi AR

Why did you decide to become a diabetologist?

I decided to pursue a career in diabetology, as I witnessed numerous family members succumb to the disease, that too at a very young age. This deeply impacted me, and I realized I had to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the illness.

What makes diabetes such a dreadful disease? What are the health complications associated with diabetes?

The burden of diabetes is high and increasing globally. In India, this is mainly fueled by the increasing prevalence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles. According to ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) guidelines 2022, the past three decades has witnessed a 150% increase in the number of people with diabetes in the country.The rise is largely due to the rapid changes in demographic, socioeconomic, and nutritional factors. Diabetes can lead to increased glucose levels that can eventually lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, kidney disorders and problems related to nerves or feet as well.

How can we scale the prevention of diabetes?

The prevalence of diabetes calls for a more stringent and practical approach involving both the treating physicians and the people with diabetes to be aware of how dietary compliance can have a beneficial impact. The new-age tool, tDNA with its structured and pragmatic approach will help serve this purpose. In addition, with innovative technologies like continuous glucose monitoring devices, combined with appropriate diabetes care regimen, the journey of diagnosis to management can become easier to navigate.

Is lifestyle intervention crucial to diabetes management? What kind of lifestyle changes are required?

Diabetes boom is mainly fueled by the increasing prevalence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles. These complications, make lifestyle management (LSM) essential to manage the disease. A tool like tDNA will ensure implementation of lifestyle recommendations to improve disease-related outcomes in prediabetes and T2D patients. This will help improve a patient’s eating self-efficacy, maintain weight loss and manage glycemic control.

 Why is India the diabetes capital of the world and is the 2nd country with highest diabetes prevalence?

India has a significant number of citizens with diabetes. One of the major reasons for this is the country's consumption of high-calorie/high-fat and high-sugar diet. This coupled with lack of physical activity, can lead to obesity and eventually diabetes. There is also strong evidence that Indians have a greater degree of insulin resistance and a stronger genetic predisposition to diabetes.

What's the idea behind tDNA? How does it help manage diabetes?

tDNA (Transcultural Diabetes Nutritional Algorithm) is a new-age tool designed to provide nutrition to diabetic patients. It is a structured and pragmatic approach that will help increase awareness on the benefits of nutritional interventions, suggesting healthy eating practices that accommodate regional differences in lifestyles, foods, and cultures, and enhance the implementation of existing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

 What kind of foods should parents avoid for their kids to prevent diabetes?

Parents should limit their children's sugar intake,they should avoid giving them candies, juices, and other processed foods as treats. Apart from sugar-based foods and starchy carbohydrates, avoiding excessive salt intake (packed food preservatives as additives), fatty foods particularly saturated fats should be taken into consideration.