In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU:  According to the World Health Organization, about 630 million people are living with diabetes, a majority of whom are from low-and middle-income countries.  In India, nearly 50% of people remain undiagnosed, until serious complications appear, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. On World Diabetes Day, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, is urging people in India to prioritize diabetes awareness, routine screening, and prevention.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), about 89.8 million adults (aged 20-79) in India were living with diabetes in 2024. Among various types of diabetes, type-2 diabetes is the most common type of disease among adults. SGU highlights the importance of understanding the leading risk factors, including:

  • Diet and inactivity: Diets high in processed foods and added sugars, coupled with sedentary routines, drive insulin resistance and weight gain, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes.
  • Family history and stress: A family history of diabetes increases genetic predisposition to impaired insulin production and glucose metabolism, raising genetic susceptibility. Chronic stress can also raise cortisol and disrupt blood sugar control.
  • Environment and access: Limited access to healthy food or safe places to exercise, and exposure to pollution can worsen metabolic health.

Frequent thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, excessive urination, and unexplained weight loss may signal high blood sugar. SGU also strongly encourages Indians to undergo annual health check-ups to facilitate early detection. 

Education is central to tackling diabetes. SGU’s global medical education model prepares future physicians to serve diverse underserved communities with strong clinical training, cultural competency, and a commitment to public health impact.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website. 

About St. George’s University School of Medicine:  

Founded in 1976, St. George's University (SGU) is a center for academic excellence worldwide. With students and faculty drawn from more than 150 countries, SGU is truly an international institution, with a uniquely global perspective. The SGU School of Medicine is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council which has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

The school offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. Students can also enter the MD degree program from many education systems around the world via the five-, six-, or seven-year tracks. SGU has a large network of 75+ affiliated hospitals and health centers in the US and UK, with the unique opportunity for students to begin their medical career in Grenada or the UK.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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