Walkathons and awareness campaigns marked the World Diabetes Day in the city on Tuesday. British Biologicals organised a walk from MG Road to convey the year’s theme ‘Eyes on Diabetes’.
V S Reddy, MD at British Biologicals said “India is the second largest country with high diabetes cases today. This is an alarming situation for India. Millions of people are suffering from diabetes and its subsequences. Diabetes can be treated and prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle, medication and nutrition.”
The theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day is “Eyes on Diabetes” and focuses on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dr Arpan Dev Bhattacharya, consultant endocrinologist, Manipal Hospital, said, “One in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed. Many people live with type 2 diabetes for a long period of time without being aware of their condition. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present. Up to 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles.”
Meanwhile, at Minto Opthalmic Hospital, a Diabetic Retinopthy Screening Camp was organised in association with Lions Club International.
Doctors who took part in the rally educated people on how early diagnosis could save sight. The rally began at Minto Hospital, went through Makkala Koota Circle and concluded at the hospital premises.
According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Atlas 2015, India has 2nd most diabetes cases with 69.1 million people living with diabetes as per 2015 data. The WHO estimates that 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low and middle-income countries and projects that such deaths will double between 2016 and 2030.