A Different Way of Thinking
In 1948, he helped establish and run what is widely described as the first organised diabetes clinic in India at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai.
The visionary who helped shape the future of diabetology in India — through dedicated care, research, education and a lifelong commitment to people living with diabetes.
Today, diabetes is one of India's most discussed health challenges. We speak about HbA1c, continuous glucose monitoring, diabetic foot care, kidney complications, obesity, insulin resistance and preventive screening almost every day.
But there was a time when diabetes was barely considered a major medical speciality in India. It was during that period that one young physician chose to look at diabetes differently.
Decades before India began confronting diabetes on the scale we see today, Prof. M. Viswanathan understood that people living with the condition needed more than occasional prescriptions.
People living with diabetes needed dedicated care, long-term follow-up, research, education and a medical system built specifically around diabetes.
The vision that shaped a disciplineHis journey combined medicine, courage, education, organised diabetes care and a determination to build something that would outlive him.
Prof. M. Viswanathan entered Stanley Medical College in Chennai and began the medical journey that would shape the future of diabetology in India.
During the Quit India Movement, the young Viswanathan hoisted the Indian tricolour at the Stanley Medical College hostel, an action that led to his removal from the hostel.
Prof. K.C. Paul supported him with food, shelter and guidance. After graduation, Viswanathan worked as a House Physician under him.
He helped establish and run what is widely described as the first organised diabetes clinic in India at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai.
The institution that would become M.V. Hospital for Diabetes began as a general hospital in Royapuram, Chennai.
The hospital became dedicated exclusively to diabetes care. Prof. Viswanathan also left government service to concentrate more fully on diabetes care and research.
The Diabetes Research Centre was established as a non-profit organisation devoted to diabetes research.
The research centre was recognised by ICMR in 1975 and by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in 1983.
Prof. M. Viswanathan passed away on 1 March 1996 after approximately five decades dedicated to diabetes care and research.
In an era when diabetes was nowhere near the public health priority it is today, Prof. Viswanathan recognised that diabetes required specialised attention.
In 1948, he helped establish and run what is widely described as the first organised diabetes clinic in India at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai.
He understood that diabetes was not a temporary illness that could be treated with a short prescription. It was a lifelong condition requiring continuous care.
His philosophy extended beyond measuring glucose. Family history, lifestyle, complications and long-term follow-up all mattered.
Most importantly, the individual living with diabetes mattered. His ambition was for every person with diabetes to live their normal span of life in good health.
The institution that would become M.V. Hospital for Diabetes began as a general hospital in Royapuram, Chennai, in the 1950s. In 1971, it became a hospital dedicated exclusively to diabetes care.
Prof. Viswanathan did not want India merely to follow diabetes research happening elsewhere. He wanted meaningful diabetes research to come from India itself.
His work included collaborative projects with institutions in the United Kingdom, Sweden, the United States, Australia and other countries.
His interests extended beyond treatment into prevention. He initiated a large research project on the primary prevention of diabetes, supported by extensive family records and long-term data collection.
What distinguished Prof. Viswanathan was that his contribution was not limited to one area.
Treating patients and building a deeply patient-centred approach to diabetes care.
Helping younger doctors understand diabetes and establishing a tradition of learning.
Generating scientific evidence and pursuing prevention through long-term research.
Creating systems and institutions that would continue after him.
His professional mission can be understood through four ambitions recorded by the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre.
He wanted to reduce the suffering experienced by people living with diabetes.
He wanted diabetology to become a recognised medical discipline in India.
He wanted Indian diabetes research to reach international standards.
Ultimately, he wanted diabetes to be prevented and conquered.
His story did not end with his passing. The institutions, research culture and philosophy of care he helped establish continue to influence diabetes care.
Today, M.V. Hospital for Diabetes in Chennai continues the legacy of dedicated diabetes care, while the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre remains involved in research, education and prevention.
Modern diabetes care looks very different from the clinic Prof. Viswanathan started in 1948.
Calling Prof. M. Viswanathan the Father of Diabetology in India recognises more than his medical achievements.
He saw the importance of diabetes before it became one of India's biggest health challenges.
He chose to build a speciality when very few people were thinking about diabetes in that way.
He believed treatment should help patients live longer and better, not simply lower a laboratory value.
The institutions, research culture and philosophy of care he helped establish continue to influence diabetes care.
And that is why his name continues to hold a special place in the history of Indian medicine.
The journey that began with a pioneering vision continues through dedicated diabetes care, education, research and a commitment to helping people live full and healthy lives.

Consultant Physician and Diabetologist
Dr. B S Sanjay is a Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at MV centre for Diabetes with over 19 years of clinical experience. He holds an PG Diploma in Diabetology from Amrita Institute of Medical science, cochin. Passionate about holistic diabetes care, Dr. Sanjay has been with MV centre since 2009, providing outpatient care.
19 years of experience in Internal Medicine and Diabetology
Special focus on managing complex diabetes cases and complications
Lifetime Member – RSSDI and IMA
Research & Public Engagement
Involved in study -Diabetic Foot offloading effectiveness to heal foot ulcers
Involved in studies involving triple oral antiglycemic versus single drug initiation In newly detected diabetes
Involved in public awareness activities regarding Diabetes and its complications prevention
MD, Ph.D., FRCP
Head and Chief Physician MV Diabetes North and South Chennai and Bengaluru.
Completed 34 years of practice.
Expertise
President RSSDI [Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India] 2025.
Honorary President D Foot International based in Belgium overseeing 193 countries.
Hon Gen Secretary Association of Physicians [API] Chennai.
Research
Research Interests: Diabetic Foot: Limb Salvage
Diabetes and Kidney [Did his PhD in this field in 1999]
Diabetes and TB [PI in RePORT India]
Over 300 Research Publications in peer reviewed journals
Senior Consultant Surgeon
Dr. G. Senthil is a Senior Consultant Surgeon specializing in Diabetic Foot Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and General Surgery at MV Hospital for Diabetes. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Senthil is a pioneer in conservative and limb-saving surgical approaches for complex diabetic foot complications. He holds an MBBS, MS in General Surgery, and MCh in Plastic Surgery. Known for his patient-centric and empathetic care, Dr. Senthil combines surgical expertise with global best practices to offer personalized, minimally invasive treatments for limb preservation.
25+ years of clinical and surgical experience
Specialized Expertise:
Diabetic foot surgery
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Preventive and deformity-corrective foot surgeries
Conservative limb-saving surgical techniques
Multidisciplinary team approach to complex diabetic foot cases
Distinguished Approach:
Focus on limb salvage and amputation prevention
Minimally invasive surgical methods
Evidence-based, cost-effective, and personalized treatment
Regularly updates and integrates international best practices
Known for providing “last-hope” interventions in advanced diabetic foot complications
Academic & Professional Contributions:
Actively shares clinical knowledge and surgical insights with the global medical community
Advocates for early intervention and preventive strategies in diabetic foot management
Engaged in hands-on training and mentoring of diabetic foot care professionals
Participates in interdisciplinary forums and case discussions on limb salvage
Community & Patient Engagement:
Promotes patient education on diabetic foot care and prevention
Committed to holistic healing and long-term mobility for patients with severe complications
Diabetologist
Dr. Abishek S.R is a Consultant Diabetologist at MV Hospital for Diabetes, Royapuram — an IDF Centre of Excellence in Diabetes Care. He completed his MD (MBBS) from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia (EU), followed by a Fellowship in Clinical Diabetology at MV Hospital for Diabetes. With 3 years of experience, Dr. Abishek brings a focused interest in the prevention of diabetes, the management of newer types of diabetes, and Type 1 diabetes care. He actively participates in research, public awareness, and professional education initiatives.
3+ years of experience in Diabetology
Special interests in:
Newer forms of diabetes
Diabetes prevention strategies
Type 1 diabetes care
Community-based screening and education
Certifications:
Fellowship in Clinical Diabetology – MV Hospital for Diabetes
Certificate course in Hypertension, Obesity, and Diabetes – Joslin Diabetes Center
Professional Memberships:
Life Member, Indian Medical Association (IMA)
Life Member, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI)
Research & Publications:
Poster presented at RSSDI National Conference (Delhi):
Pulmonary function test and its association in Type 2 diabetes
Poster presented at RSSDI Tamil Nadu Chapter:
Prevalence of anemia in Type 2 diabetes in the absence of kidney disease
Published a case report in TAPIJ:
Diabetic Amyotrophy – A rare complication of diabetic neuropathy
Conferences & Faculty Roles:
Participant in RSSDI National Conferences (since 2020)
Participant in Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes & Diabetic Foot Updates (since 2020)
Faculty at the School of Podiatry – Chennai
Attendee at IWGDF Conference – Chennai
Community Involvement:
Regularly conducts and participates in diabetes screening and awareness camps across Chennai and rural areas
Diabetologist
Dr. Leela Baid is a Consultant Diabetologist at MV Hospital for Diabetes (an IDF Centre of Excellence in Diabetes Care), Chennai. With over 9 years of dedicated experience in managing diabetes, she combines clinical expertise with advanced diabetes technologies. Dr. Baid earned her MBBS from Silchar Medical College and pursued a Fellowship in Diabetology from Apollo Medvarsity. She also holds an MBA in Hospital Management and is certified in insulin pump therapy and advanced diabetes technology. She has been part of the MV Hospital team since 2014, with a special focus on both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes management.
9+ years of experience in Diabetology
Special interests:
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Advanced diabetes technologies (including insulin pumps)
Time in Range and modern glucose monitoring
Pediatric diabetes via the SWEET Project
Professional Memberships:
Life Member, Indian Medical Association (IMA)
Life Member, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI)
Research Contributions:
Co-investigator in key national clinical trials including:
Glenmark’s investigational therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Prandial Technosphere Insulin Inhalation Powder Phase III trial
Awards:
Dr. R.B. Singh, Dr. S.S. Rastogi & Dr. S.P. Varma Award – Indian Society of Hypertension (2018), for research on central blood pressure in diabetes
Research & Publications:
Co-author of peer-reviewed study:
“Prevalence of genitourinary symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes initiated with SGLT2 inhibitors” – International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 2024
Conference Presentations & Lectures:
Poster presentation at RSSDI 2022 (50th Annual Meeting):
“Prevalence of Genito-urinary symptoms among people taking SGLT2 inhibitors”
Invited speaker on:
Insulin pump therapy
Newer diabetes management concepts and “Time in Range”
Community Initiatives:
Active in diabetes awareness and screening camps across Chennai
Diabetologist
Dr. Uma Mahesh is a Senior Consultant Diabetologist and the Chief Consultant at Dr. Mahesh Diabetes Centre in association with Diabetacare (UK). With over 25 years of experience in diabetology, he is recognized for his leadership in diabetes research, patient care, and clinical education. Dr. Mahesh holds an MBBS from S.V. Medical College and a postdoctoral MDRC in Diabetology from the Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai. He served for over a decade at MV Hospital for Diabetes, a WHO Collaborating Centre, and currently leads community-oriented diabetes programs while contributing significantly to national and international clinical trials.
25+ years of experience in Diabetology
Special Interests:
Type 2 diabetes management
Advanced diabetes therapeutics
Clinical research leadership
Diabetes education and training
Clinical Roles:
Senior Consultant Diabetologist at MV Hospital for Diabetes (1999–2014)
Consultant at Madras Medical Mission (2001–2005)
Chief Consultant at Dr. Mahesh Diabetes Centre (2015–Present)
Academic & Teaching Contributions:
Faculty & Examiner for Fellowship in Diabetes (FCD), MV Hospital & IMA Tamil Nadu
Trained over 300 doctors in Diabetology
Editorial Board Member – IGNOU Diabetes Health Program
Faculty for WDF Project – Trained 3000 doctors nationwide
Contributed chapters to diabetes manuals for professional training
Professional Involvement:
Member, Expert Committee for Diabetes Community Health – IGNOU
Research Committee Member – Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre
Awards & Presentations:
MVDRC Gold Medal Oration Speaker – 2014
ADA Poster Presentation – Neuropathy (2013)
ADA Paper Presenter – NHLBI-funded CAARS Translation Trial (2015)
Chaired key sessions on oral antidiabetic agents (OHAs)
Principal/Co-Investigator in Major Trials:
Sitagliptin & Pioglitazone co-administration study
Exenatide vs. Metformin and other monotherapies
SYR-322 long-term safety trial
GRC 8200 DPP-IV Inhibitor study
BI 10773 vs. Glimepiride (long-term efficacy trials)
Saxagliptin + Metformin study in pediatric diabetes
GCP Certifications:
Trained by SIRO (Mumbai), Eli Lilly (Bangalore), Novo Nordisk (Chennai, Bangalore), and BMS (Singapore)
Publications & Conferences:
Presenter at ADA and MV Hospital events
Active contributor to diabetes research with a strong national and global footprint
Community Involvement:
Leads diabetes awareness, education, and outreach through Dr. Mahesh Diabetes Centre
Integrates clinical care with education and early detection efforts for underserved populations
Diabetologist
Dr. Prashanth Arun is a Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at MV Hospital for Diabetes with over 12 years of clinical experience. He holds an MD in General Medicine and a PG Diploma in Diabetology from the Royal College (UK). His medical training spans reputed institutions including SRM Medical College and PSG Institute of Medical Sciences. Passionate about holistic diabetes care, Dr. Prashanth has been with MV Hospital since 2017, providing both outpatient and inpatient management, including ICU care.
12+ years of experience in Internal Medicine and Diabetology
Special focus on managing complex diabetes cases and complications
Awarded:
RSSDI Achievement Award (2023)
Top 100 Influential Indians (2022) – Hype Edge Media
SRM Eminent Alumni Award (2023)
Iconic Medical Influencer (2022) – ED Innova
Lifetime Member – RSSDI, API (India & Tamil Nadu), and IMA
Contributed chapters to national handbooks on:
Insulin Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Emerging Diabetes Drugs and Kidney Disease
Regular faculty and speaker at national diabetes conferences
Certified in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS & ACLS)
Published in top journals including:
JAPI
JIMA
RSSDI
TN MGR University Journal
Research interests include:
GLP1/SGLT2 therapies
Hyperuricemia in diabetes
Liver enzyme modulation
Principal/Co-investigator in clinical trials on:
Inhalable insulin
Recombinant insulin
Once-weekly formulations
Authored health articles in:
Times of India
Deccan Chronicle
ED Times
Health Shots
Strong digital presence:
Meta-verified influencer with 70K+ Instagram followers
15K+ YouTube subscribers
25K Facebook followers
Daily content focused on preventive health and diabetes education
Guest of Honour at major health awareness events and medical expos
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