Mangaluru: Dr Devan, Professor of ENT at A J Medical College, was invited as a speaker at the prestigious TEDxStAloysius conference recently held at St Aloysius College in Mangaluru.
The event brought together thought leaders, academicians, professionals and students for a day of inspiring talks and knowledge-sharing sessions. Dr Devan addressed the audience on his personal journey of overcoming diabetes, hypertension and obesity, offering what he described as practical and sustainable lifestyle interventions.
Personal transformation story
During his talk, Dr Devan shared his own health struggles, explaining how he was once diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension while also dealing with obesity. He stated that instead of relying solely on medication, he adopted disciplined lifestyle changes focusing on diet modification, regular physical activity and stress management.
He described his approach as a structured and evidence-based lifestyle correction plan that gradually helped him normalise his blood sugar levels, control blood pressure and achieve significant weight loss.
Speaking to a packed auditorium, he emphasised that millions of people across the world are currently suffering from lifestyle-related diseases. According to him, sedentary habits, processed food consumption, chronic stress and lack of sleep are among the key contributors to the growing global health burden.
Focus on prevention and awareness
Dr Devan highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, stating that many non-communicable diseases can be managed or even reversed in their early stages through sustained lifestyle interventions.
He encouraged the audience to view food as medicine and underscored the need for regular exercise, mindful eating and periodic health check-ups. He also stressed the significance of patient education, particularly in India, where the number of people living with diabetes and hypertension continues to rise steadily.
Addressing students and young professionals in the audience, he urged them not to ignore early warning signs such as weight gain, fatigue, elevated blood pressure or abnormal blood sugar readings. Early action, he said, can prevent long-term complications affecting the heart, kidneys and other vital organs.
Engaging session with audience
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which participants sought clarity on diet plans, intermittent fasting, exercise routines and long-term sustainability of lifestyle changes.
Dr Devan reiterated that while medication remains essential in many cases, lifestyle modification should form the foundation of long-term health management. He also cautioned against blindly following internet trends without professional guidance.
Organisers of TEDxStAloysius stated that the conference aimed to spotlight transformative ideas and real-life experiences that can positively impact society. Dr Devan’s talk was received with appreciation from attendees, many of whom described it as both inspiring and practical.
Conclusion
The TEDxStAloysius conference once again served as a platform for sharing meaningful ideas and lived experiences. Dr Devan’s address highlighted the urgent need to tackle lifestyle diseases through awareness, discipline and informed choices — a message that resonated strongly with the Mangaluru audience.
