Diabetes Dialogue: The International Diabetes Federation and Care Access in India, With Amit Gupta, MBBS, DNB

Welcome back to Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics, & Real-World Perspectives!

In this special episode, shot live at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026 in Ner Orleans, Louisiana, cohosts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, are joined by Amit Gupta, MBBS, DNB, diabetologist, executive director of the Global Metabolic Health Alliance, and chair of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Education Committee, to discuss the state of diabetes care and treatment in India compared to the US.

To begin the episode, Gupta introduces the mission of the IDF, highlighting its role as a worldwide federation of scientific societies and patient organizations focused on improving diabetes education, policy, advocacy, and access to care. The conversation explores how diabetes management differs across regions, emphasizing that while the underlying disease mechanisms and available therapies may be similar, access to medications, technologies, healthcare infrastructure, and education varies significantly between countries.

Gupta discusses the impact of semaglutide becoming available as a generic therapy in India following patent expiration, describing how reduced costs have improved access to a medication previously limited by affordability barriers. The group considers how increased availability of GLP-1 receptor agonists may transform diabetes and obesity management, while also emphasizing that pharmacologic therapies alone cannot address the global metabolic health crisis. Gupta notes the importance of maintaining focus on long-term lifestyle changes, including nutrition, physical activity, and sustainable weight management, as essential components of comprehensive care.

The discussion then shifts to diabetes education and the need for more individualized, patient-centered approaches. Gupta highlights that education must be adapted to regional and cultural contexts, explaining that the challenges faced by a person with diabetes in the United States, Africa, India, or other parts of the world may differ substantially, even though diabetes distress and the burden of daily decision-making are shared experiences. He emphasizes that access to technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring, does not eliminate the need for education and support.

Isaacs, Bellini, and Gupta also address the growing challenge of misinformation online and the role of healthcare professionals in helping patients navigate unreliable sources of health information. Gupta explains that clinicians must approach misinformation constructively by providing evidence-based guidance rather than simply dismissing patients’ beliefs, reinforcing the importance of translating scientific evidence into practical recommendations that patients can incorporate into their daily lives.

The group further examines disparities in the availability of diabetes educators worldwide. Gupta notes that while some regions have established professional pathways for diabetes care and education specialists, many areas lack standardized training, recognition, or policy support to sustain these roles. He stresses that building effective diabetes education systems requires collaboration with policymakers to demonstrate the long-term benefits of structured education programs.

The episode concludes with Gupta discussing his work developing a global consensus framework on lifestyle as the foundation of metabolic health. The conversation reinforces that advances in medications and technology must be paired with equitable access, effective education, and sustainable lifestyle interventions to reduce the global burden of diabetes and improve outcomes for people living with metabolic conditions.

Editors’ Note: Isaacs reports disclosures with Dexcom, Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Medtronic, Insulet, and others. Bellini reports disclosures with Abbott Diabetes Care, MannKind, Povention Bio, and others. Gupta reports disclosures with Lilly, Abbott Diabetes, and the International Diabetes Federation.

References

1. Gupta A. IDF Perspective on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES): PWD Perspective. Abstract presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026, New Orleans, LA. June 5-8, 2026.

2. Gupta A. Uptake of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Under-Resourced Populations. Abstract presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026, New Orleans, LA. June 5-8, 2026.