The original research from JDC were presented at the American Diabetes Association(ADA) Scientific Sessions from 10-14 June 2016. The 2 research presentations ‘How Successful Is Lifestyle Advice in Preventing the Progression of Prediabetes to Diabetes?’ and ‘Comparison of the New Factory Calibrated Sensor with Existing CGM Sensor’ were well accepted.

Our research team could prove that type 2 diabetes is preventable in Kerala. In this study in which the close relatives of patients was screened, 121 subjects identified to have pre-diabetes(HbA1c between 5.7% & 6.4%) were put on an intensive lifestyle management program. The subjects were counselled on exercise and diet directly and via telephone every 2 months for 2 years. It was found that the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes, which is otherwise very rapid in Asian population compared to Western population, could be very efficiently halted in as high as 75% of the participants. In 25% it miserable failed and progressed to full blown diabetes.

This study of early detection before the onset of type 2 diabetes and preventing a very devastating disease often compared to cancer in terms of deadly complications, will have a huge public health significance in implementing preventive strategies among the population at large. Other studies were also presented from the same team connected with use of innovative technology in cost effective diabetes care.