The Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRMMCH&RC), in association with the Nutrition Society of India (NSI), successfully organised a National Workshop on “Empowering Diabetes Care: Nutritional Screening, Assessment, and Customised Diet Module” from 26th to 27th February 2025.

This workshop aimed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills for early nutritional screening, assessment, and customised diet planning for effective diabetes management. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, healthcare professionals, and experts in clinical nutrition and health sciences from SRM and other institutions.

Session Highlights

Day 1 (February 26th, 2025)

The workshop commenced with an invocation and inaugural address by Dr. R. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent, SRMMCHRC and Dr. R. Balakrishnan, Vice Principal, SRMMCHRC setting the stage for a series of insightful sessions.

• Keynote Address: Gowri Ramesh, Associate Professor, Department of Home Science, Women’s Christian College, and Convener, Chennai Chapter of NSI, emphasised the role of traditional foods in diabetes management, advocating for culturally relevant and locally available foods.
• “Understanding Diabetes Mellitus – Pathophysiology & Pharmacological Management” by J. S. Kumar, Professor & Head, Associate Dean (PG-Studies), SRMMCHRC, provided critical insights into diabetes mechanisms and pharmacological treatments.
• Hands-on Training on Screening and Assessment Tools led by Vinitha Krishnar, Chief Clinical Dietitian, SIMS Hospital, Chennai.
• “Critical Biochemical Parameters in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes” by V. M. Vinodhini, Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry, SRMMCHRC, focusing on essential biomarkers for diabetes management.
• “Integrating Carbohydrate Counting into Meal Planning” by Thangamani RD, Nutrition & Dietetics Specialist, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, provided practical insights into meal planning for diabetes care.

Day 2 (February 27th, 2025)

Day two featured expert-led sessions and interactive training programs:

• “Understanding Diets and Strategies to Manage Blood Sugar Levels” (Online Session) by Preeti Pande RD, Senior Dietitian, Apollo Medical Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow.
• Hands-on Training on Diet Planning for Nephropathy Using Exchange Lists by Marina Elizabeth Alex RD, Assistant Manager of Dietetics, Madras Medical Mission Hospital, Chennai.
• “Tools and Techniques for Effective Blood Sugar Management” by Jaishree, Diabetes Educator, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre.

The workshop engaged participants with pre-and post-test assessments to evaluate understanding, along with a quiz competition to reinforce learning. A poster competition on “Medical Nutrition Care in Diabetic Management” featured 29 participants who presented their innovative research and ideas in diabetes nutrition care.

Valedictory & Conclusion

The event concluded with a valedictory function, celebrating the successful execution of the two-day workshop. The sessions provided a comprehensive and interactive learning experience, covering carbohydrate counting, glycemic load, nutritional assessment screening tools, and blood glucose monitoring gadgets for diabetes management.

This workshop reinforced the critical role of clinical nutrition in diabetes care and management, providing practical and evidence-based learning experiences.

Valedictory & Conclusion

The event concluded with a valedictory function, celebrating the successful execution of the two-day workshop. The sessions provided a comprehensive and interactive learning experience, covering carbohydrate counting, glycemic load, nutritional assessment screening tools, and blood glucose monitoring gadgets for diabetes management.

This workshop reinforced the critical role of clinical nutrition in diabetes care and management, providing practical and evidence-based learning experiences.