Walkathon to create awareness about diabetes

To tackle the soaring numbers of diabetics in India, the Union ministry of health and family welfare is observing a Diabetes Blue Fortnight, from November 1 to 14.

To tackle the soaring numbers of diabetics in India, the Union ministry of health and family welfare is observing a Diabetes Blue Fortnight, from November 1 to 14.

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“Diabetes is perceived by many as a lifestyle disease which only happens to the rich.

There are two new cases of diabetes every 10 seconds in India, which is leading to other complications such as heart diseases and blindness,” said Dr Shaukat Sadikot, president, Diabetes India and vice-president, International Diabetes Federation.

In Mumbai, talks are on with the government to bathe the Gateway of India in blue light on World Diabetes Day, which is on November 14. Activities like a walkathon, lighting up monuments in blue light, and screening of a film on child diabetes will be conducted in Delhi.

The main concern doctors feel is prevention through lifestyle management and early diagnosis, especially among children. “Most parents do not realise their children have diabetes,” said Dr Sanjeev Bagai, CEO, Batra Hospital and Research Centre and chairman of Child Health Congress. HTC