Well-known Diabetologist Dr Sunil Gupta was recently interviewed by Dr Sagar Khadiwala as part of ‘Samvad’ organised by Vidarbha Hindi Sahitya Sammelan at Mor Hindi Bhavan in Nagpur. During the interview, Dr Gupta narrated some interesting stories from his life and shared his views on diabetes, which according to him is not understood properly by people.

Dr Gupta, while speaking about diabetes, said during the interview, “Unfortunately, there are a number of myths, doubts and misconceptions, which prevail in our society when it comes to diabetes. My aim is bust myths and create awareness about diabetes. I intend to make people aware of facts about diabetes so that they can have proper treatment and lead a happy life.”

Speaking about his struggle in school, Dr Gupta said, “Until fifth grade, I was not able to speak and write in English properly. It was my mother’s support, which helped me have a command on the language. I was good in studies but I was also good in cultural and sports activities and represented my school at several debate competitions”. Dr Gupta cited his school teacher RB Singh as an inspiration behind him becoming a doctor.

Dr Gupta fondly recalled his initial days as a doctor in Mumbai. He said, “I used to work in three shifts. I would not take any leave from hospital as I wanted to save money for my parents’ silver jubilee anniversary.”

Dr Gupta also shared his experience working as a diabetologist in Nagpur. He further shared as to how he was horrified when he came across a 17-year-old girl patient suffering from paralysis and diabetes at the same time.”

Interestingly, Dr Sunil Gupta has been mentioned in both Guinness Book of World Records and Limca Book of World Records. Dr Guptas name was included in the Guinness book of World Record in 2013 for participating in the largest Diabetic health screening at multiple locations. 1676 diabetic neuropathy screenings were done across 27 locations in India on World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2013, with the support of Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, Diabetic Foot Society of India and The Times of India.

Dr Gupta’s name was included in Limca book of World Records in 2016 for participating in a drive held from May 2 to May 2016. As part of the drive 20593 doctors and 387 internal employees from across prescribed diet and exercise along with the medication to their Type 2 DM.