Varun Dhawan says brother Rohit’s tests got swapped with father David’s who has diabetes ‘for ages’: ‘…but he could get’

"Then, we were telling Rohit, don't have this, don't have cold drinks, you can't have sweets; and even my dad is telling him, 'You don't eat this chocolate'," Varun Dhawan added

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | October 10, 2025 06:00 AM IST

3 min read

Varun Dhawan with his father David Dhawan (Photo: Varun Dhawan/Instagram)

Varun Dhawan, who recently appeared on Amazon Prime Video’s talk show Two Much featuring hosts Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, alongside Alia Bhatt, narrated a hilarious incident when his brother Rohit Dhawan’s lab test samples got swapped with their father David Dhawan’s, who has been a diabetic “for ages”.

“Once Rohit’s report said that he has diabetes. Then we discovered that the lab had swapped his test with my father’s. My father has had diabetes for ages. Then, we were telling Rohit, don’t have this, don’t have cold drinks, you can’t have sweets; and even my dad is telling him, ‘You don’t eat this chocolate’…And at night, we came to know that it was not his test…But it’s true,” he added.

Varun, 38, went on to share that after the health scare, Rohit lives a “pretty healthy” lifestyle. “He is leading a very healthy lifestyle. He didn’t have it, but he could get it. He eats a lot of sweets. So, you have to try and prevent it.”

Taking a cue from his confession, let’s examine the connection between genetics and chronic lifestyle conditions, such as diabetes.

Varun Dhawan’s anecdote may be “light-hearted but highlights a very real concern”, said consultant dietitian Garima Goyal. “Lifestyle and family history together influence the risk of developing diabetes. Genetics plays a significant role, but it is not the whole story. Even if someone does not currently have diabetes, having a family member with it means their own risk is higher, especially if lifestyle factors like diet, weight, and activity are not managed well,” Goyal said.

What to note?

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods over time can lead to increased insulin resistance.

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“In such cases, prevention becomes key. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating balanced meals rich in fibre, protein, and complex carbohydrates, and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, even in those genetically predisposed,” continued Goyal.

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So, while family history may be considered a “warning, it’s not a verdict. “A healthy lifestyle can delay or completely prevent the onset of diabetes, provided one is consistent and proactive about it,” Goyal said.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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