The Endocrinology Department at PGIMER recently kicked off the third Rastogi–Dash Clinical Case Conference, focusing on Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (GEP-NETs). This two-day event gathered leading experts and alumni to discuss challenging cases and new advancements in endocrinology.
Professor Vivek Lal, the director of PGIMER, reflected on how patient care used to be an academic endeavor, fostering deep diagnostic insight. He noted that while modern techniques are crucial, emphasizing prevention remains vital, especially as non-communicable diseases like diabetes continue to rise.
Lal shared his belief in lifestyle changes as a way to reverse diseases, urging a focus on preventive health and physical fitness as cornerstones of modern medicine. He also paid homage to Professors R J Dash and Gopal Krishan Rastogi, who played key roles in establishing PGIMER’s endocrinology program.
Prof. Sanjay Bhadada, head of the Endocrinology Department, pointed out that GEP-NETs highlight the increasing complexity and diagnostic challenges in current clinical practice. He celebrated the department’s recent achievement of receiving a ₹200 crore extramural grant, with ₹50 crore earmarked specifically for endocrinology research, underscoring its leadership in the field.
A troubling trend is emerging: diabetes, historically seen in older adults, is increasingly affecting younger individuals in Chandigarh. Data from PGIMER shows that in the past 18 months, about 20 cases of diabetes were diagnosed in patients aged 18 and younger, with a notable number of these cases in teenagers. This shift raises significant public health concerns.
Professor J S Thakur from the School of Public Health at PGIMER noted that eight cases have also been identified in the 19–44 age group, suggesting that diabetes is becoming a disease affecting much younger populations than previously thought.
As we look into the future, experts emphasize the need for continuous education and innovation to tackle the growing burden of endocrine disorders. The ongoing dialogue at conferences like this one will inform strategies to better manage and prevent these diseases, staying true to the legacy of pioneers in the field.
For more information on diabetes trends and preventive healthcare, you can explore resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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