Diabetes Foundation ( India )

  • In India, about 63 million people suffer from diabetes, and this figure is likely to go up to 80 million by 2025.
  • Delhi alone has more than 30 lakh people suffering from this disease (Indo-US collaborative study).
  • A study conducted by Dr Anoop Misra, showed that 37% of urban south Asian Indians suffer from Diabetes and pre-Diabetes.

Professor Man Mohan Singh Ahuja
August 16, 1929 to July 12, 1998


Dr MMS Ahuja was born in Multan (now in Pakistan) on 16 August 1929. He began his MBBS at Lahore Medical College, but shifted to Madras Medical College after the Partition of India in 1947. He secured an MRCP at the first attempt at the Royal College of Physicians, London in 1956, and thereafter did his residency at Hammersmith Hospital, London.

He returned to India and joined All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 1958 as Registrar in Medicine, then as Associate Professor of Medicine in 1963 and later as Head of the Department of Medicine in 1969-82 and thereafter as Head, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism from 1982-89 and also as Dean AIIMS (1988-89), until his retirement in August 1989. He was appointed as supernumerary Professor from 1989-91 after he was bestowed with the prestigious Nehru Fellowship in 1989.

Dr Ahuja was instrumental in introducing the DM (Endocrinology) course at the Institute. He further completed his Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians, London in 1981, and was also awarded the prestigious Dr. BC Roy Award for Medical Research in 1982. He was also the recipient of several WHO Fellowships and AIIMS-New Zealand Exchange Program Fellowship.

He published more than 150 original articles and has written 7 high standard books for post graduates in Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes. He was an expert in various examinations and selections of UPSC, NBE, ICMR, CSIR, DST and several Universities and public examination boards.

He founded the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) in 1972 for advancement of diabetes research in India, which completed its Silver Jubilee in 1997.

He was awarded the civilian honour Padma Shri in 1993 for his tireless service in the field of Medicine. He also served as personal physician to then President of India, Shri R Venkataraman.

After his retirement from AIIMS, he joined Sitaram Bhartiya Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, and worked there until his death in 1998.



He founded DIABETES FOUNDATION (INDIA) in 1986 for further advancement in diabetes and metabolic research.

APPEAL

Dr MMS Ahuja was a visionary who foresaw the impending diabetes epidemic that India and the world is facing now. As the founding father of Diabetes Foundation (India), he strove to fulfil the acute need for path-breaking diabetes and metabolic research in the Indian context.

After his death in 1998, DFI carried forward his contribution towards diabetes research, under the able guidance of accomplished doctors and nutritionists from the world of health and medicine.

DFI is committed to high standards of clinical research and seeks collaborations for research studies from organizations within India and abroad, to carry forward Dr MMS Ahuja’s dream.

Dr MG Karmarkar, President, DFI

left for his heavenly abode in February 2014 after a brief illness. DFI team held a meeting to pay respects to its guiding light and pray for eternal peace for the departed soul.



FORTIS C-DOC WINS ‘BEST HOSPITAL IN INDIA IN DIABETES CARE’ AWARD AT CIMS (CURRENT INDEX OF MEDICAL SPECIALITIES) HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AWARDS, Mumbai - 19th July, 2014

A view of the awardees in different categories

Dr Ashish Shukla, Chief Administrator, Fortis C-DOC, accepting the award

At a glittering awards function at the Hospital Management Conference, Fortis C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases & Endocrinology won the Best Hospital in India in Diabetes Care at the CIMS Healthcare Excellence Awards 2014, held at The Lalit, Mumbai on 19 July, 2014, in the presence of eminent and senior level dignitaries of the healthcare sector of India. These awards, instituted among 20 categories in India’s healthcare industry, are an endeavor to recognize India’s best healthcare providers. The award was proudly received by Dr Ashish Shukla, Chief Administrator, Fortis C-DOC.


DMA ‘CHIKITSA RATAN AWARD’CONFERRED UPON DR ANOOP MISRA For his outstanding contribution in the field of medicine & service to mankind, 29 June 2014

Dr Anoop Misra was conferred the DMA CHIKITSA RATAN AWARD by Delhi Medical Association (DMA) for his outstanding contribution in the field of medicine and service to mankind, by the Hon’ble Minister of Law, Communications & IT, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, at a function on the occasion of Doctors' Day celebrations held at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, on 29 June 2014.


EARLY DETECTION OF DIABETES & PREVENTIVE MEASURES’ on 12 April 2014, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Dr Anoop Misra lighting the inaugural lamp along with other dignitaries

Dr Usha Shrivastava, Head, Public Health, N-DOC & DFI making a presentation at the Ranbaxy Science Foundation Round Table Conference.


Dr Amrita Ghosh, Fortis C-DOC, making a presentation on 'Fortis C-DOC Diabetes Rath'

Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis C-DOC & N-DOC, and Convenor of the Round Table,speaking on Diabetes prevalence in India.


Fortis C-DOC, N-DOC & DFI team at the Round Table Conference.

Ranbaxy Science Foundation organized 31st Round Table Conference on ‘EARLY DETECTION OF DIABETES & PREVENTIVE MEASURES’ on 12 April 2014, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Prof. Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis C-DOC Centre for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, Hospital; Chairman, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC) and Director, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Diabetes Foundation (India) (DFI) emphasized the need for extending quality service and easy access for early detection and prevetion of diabetes.

Delivering the key note address at the Inaugural session of the 31st Round Table Conference of the Ranbaxy Science Foundation, on the topic “Early Detection of Diabetes and Preventive Measures on April 12, 2014 at, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Dr. Misra outlined the importance of this issue at this critical juncture.

Terming his presentation as “Early Detection of Diabetes and Preventive Measures: A Cup Full and Yet Empty”, he brought to focus the striking fact that primary health centres are ill equipped to cope up with the fast changing scenario in health sector. In view of evidence about early origins of non-communicable diseases, there is urgent need to start interventions even before the birth of a child. Sharing the experience of “Diabetes Rath- Diabetes Care at Footsteps”, he explained the importance of expanding quality service coverage.

In view of certain specific reasons the cut offs for obesity and abdominal obesity have been lowered for Indians by evolving Consensus Guidelines. The fast changing patterns of nutrition, warrants need for more simplified innovations in research in line with current cooking diet practices of South Asians. Physical inactivity is becoming a norm, this should be countered by implementing Consensus Physical Activity Guidelines with 60 minutes of physical activity with inbuilt 30 minutes of aerobic activity.

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) initiated by the Government of India needs to be strengthened. Cost of care should be an important component of economic policy framework. There is urgent need for multi-pronged approach involving multiple stakeholders including primary health workers, doctors, government, civil society, scientists, pharmaceutical companies, media and celebrities.

This Round Table was inaugurated by Dr. V.M. Katoch, Secretary to Govt. of India, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical. Over 200 participants ranging from clinicians, public health specialists, basic scientists, nutritionists, media personalities and representatives from World Health Organisation, central and state government deliberated through the day in various sessions as a part of this programme.



Dr. Abdul Basit from Pakistan visits Fortis C-DOC

Dr Abdul Basit , Professor of Medicine & Director, Baqai Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Karachi, Pakistan, visited Fortis C-DOC

Dr Abdul Basit, Professor of Medicine & Director, Baqai Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Karachi, Pakistan, visited Fortis C-DOC. The distinguished guest was welcomed by Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis C-DOC and given a short tour of the facility.


Dr. Basit made a presentation on the current Diabetes scenario in Pakistan before an interested audience and Dr Misra's team. This was followed by an enlightening interaction over refreshments.



‘Effect of Pistachio Nuts on Cardiovascular Health’

Dr Anoop Misra making his presentation at the Pistachio Press conference.

Dr Seema Gulati, Head, Research, DFI & N-DOC, presenting the findings of the Pistachio study


Dr Seema Gulati and Dr Anoop Misra addressing the media.

A view of the media persons present at the Pistachio press conference.

DFI & N-DOC released the findings of a study on “Effect of Pistachio Nuts on Cardiovascular Health”, recently published in an international journal) at a press conference titled Engaging Culturally Specific Solutions for Nutrition Intervention for Prevention of Diabetes, on 11th November, 2013, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The Principal Investigator of the study was Prof (Dr.) Anoop Misra.

The study shows that simple dietary changes such as including pistachio nuts to the diet can lead to multiple health benefits and that these important health benefits will decrease incidence and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and heart disease in Asian Indians who are markedly prone to develop these problems.

Prof. Anoop Misra: “Pistachios are part of traditional Indian diet. However, the health effects have not been clearly understood. This study shows multifaceted beneficial effects of pistachios suitable for Indian body type for the alleviation of multiple risk factors they have”.

Dr. Seema Gulati: “Based on this study we can say that pistachios provide an excellent snack option especially for those at risk for metabolic problems and diabetes. They provide beneficial effect in two ways: by displacing energy from other unhealthy sources and secondly, due to their own intrinsic nutritional properties.”

The study was funded by Paramount Farms Inc., whose pistachio nuts were exclusively used for research purpose.

Diabetes Foundation India,
Plot No. 3 Pocket B-11, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070 INDIA
Tel: +91-11-4134 5550
[email protected]

Diabetes Foundation (India) (Regn no.- S/16551/8) is a non-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860 on 24 April 1986. FCRA approved. All donations are exempted according to the Income Tax Act 80 G of the Government of India.