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A former State Bank of India banker’s journey from ignoring early signs of diabetes to undergoing a kidney transplant serves as a potent warning for millions at risk of the silent disease. Ravinder Sus, a sportsman in his early 40s and later a bank chief manager, initially dismissed symptoms like dizziness, blurry vision, and frequent urination as trivial. A diagnosis of elevated blood sugar was brushed aside, with Sus relying on exercise, cutting dietary sugar, and consuming herbal remedies like karela (bitter gourd) juice and methi (fenugreek) powder. Regular medication and follow-up visits were neglected as he believed lifestyle changes would suffice.
As job demands increased and physical activity declined, Sus’s health deteriorated. He became overweight and continued to minimize the risks, instead consuming herbal supplements in the hope of managing his condition. Even after retirement and repeated warnings through routine tests, he did not seek medical intervention. The turning point came in 2018, when Sus, at 62, collapsed at a family event due to acute kidney failure—his creatinine levels soaring and both kidneys severely damaged.
Long and exhausting dialysis sessions followed, culminating in a kidney transplant from his wife, Anjali, under challenging circumstances due to a blood group mismatch. Post-transplant, Sus had to endure a strict regimen of insulin injections and isolation to prevent infections. With renewed determination and after overcoming further health challenges, including Covid-19 hospitalization, Sus dedicated himself to spreading awareness. He even participated and won a silver medal in the National Transplant Games, proving that life after major health setbacks is possible with discipline and proactivity.
Health experts underscore that uncontrolled diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure in India, with lifestyle factors like lack of exercise, poor diet, and smoking compounding the risk. According to a recent Lancet Global Health study, nearly 40% of Indians above 45 with diabetes are unaware of their condition, and only half of those diagnosed manage to keep their blood sugar under control. Specialists warn that ignoring early signs can lead to irreversible damage not only to kidneys, but also to the heart, nerves, and eyes.
Sus’s experience is a call to action for regular health checks, ongoing medication, and lifestyle management. “I have suffered, but you don’t have to,” Sus says, urging others to take diabetes seriously before complications become life-threatening.
Disclaimer: The information provided here does not constitute medical advice. Please consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions.
Reference: Indian Express, “Banker had blood sugar in his 40s, ignored medication, drank karela juice and needed kidney transplant in his 60s: Why you cannot let diabetes worsen”.
