Chandigarh, May 15:The two-days medical conclave on “Latest Trends in Endocrine, Diabetes and Cardio Renal Metabolic Problems” opened at Hyatt Regency here today.

The third edition of EPIC, Empowering Physicians in International Practices for Advanced Patient Care, has been organised by Sweet Diabetes Foundation under the aegis of Punjab Medical Council, with over 400 general medical practitioners from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh, the third edition of this annual scientific conclave.

The first day sessions focussed on thyroid and pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, and post-menopause diagnosis and care. Dr. Usha Sriram, President of the Indian Society of Bone Mineral Research, Chennai, and Dr. Tejal Lathia, Dr. Lakshmi Nalini Kopalle, Dr. Gagan Priya, Lt Gen Dr. Narendra Kotwal, and Dr. Pramilla Kalia were some of the key speakers.

National Secretary of the Endocronology Society of India, Dr. K.V.S. Harikumar, from Hyderabad expressed concern over the growing cases of diabetes amongst pregnant mothers, who need to take care of not only themselves but their child too through massive lifestyle changes and dietary habits.

Eighteen percent of Chandigarh is diabetic and unfortunately the younger population in 20 to 30 years is getting impacted, he said.

The most essential precaution, Lt Gen Dr. Narendra Kotwal advised is regular screening by pregnant mothers to keep themselves and the child protected against future incidence of diabetes, as well as maintaining control over thyroid.

Dr. Gagan Priya, sharing her studies on the use of insulin to control diabetes amongst pregnant mother said that this is the safest bet since it does not penetrate the placenta and the baby remains safe from any harmful effect of the drug whereas the use of tablets could penetrate into the baby’s blood stream.

The expert endocrinologists shared the latest research and findings on the impact of various drugs as well as proper diagnostic techniques to manage diabetes amongst pregnant women.

Organising Secretary Dr. Sachin Mittal said that the purpose is to keep the medical practitioners informed about the newer developments in the field of diabetes management, diagnosis and patient care.