ALIGARH, November 13: Prof. Jamal Ahmad, Director, Centre of Diabetes and Endocrynology, J. N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University said that diabetes in India has reached epidemic proportions and is increasing with Tsunamic speed. He was speaking on the World Diabetes Day that is celebrated on November 14 every year and is an official United Nations World Diabetes Day, named to celebrate the birthday of Frederick Banting, who along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of Insulin. This day is marked with the global awareness campaign against Diabetes led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) that engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness.
Prof. Ahmad said that there is a tremendous increase in the complications associated with diabetes, especially in those who are not under optimal control. In India, diabetes is the single largest cause of legal blindness. A vast majority of patients undergoing renal dialysis and transplants have diabetes as the underlying cause. More than 75% hospitalized patients of acute myocardial Infarction (Heart Disease) either are known diabetic or undiagnosed. Associated with this disease, there is a substantial increase in mobility and mortality. It is also accepted that diabetes is the single largest cause of atraumatic amputation.
Prof. Ahmad said that India at present has 50 Million people with diabetes and more than 95% of this population is suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. However, it may be appreciated that not only the diabetes and its complications can be prevented but early diagnosis and optimal management can significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this dreaded disease. Further, a person with diabetes does not have to lose the lower limbs every thirty seconds if one takes simple steps to prevent its complications by prompt corrective action. Importantly, this does not require intensive and expensive investigations in most cases, but a basic understanding of the problem and management of diabetes which also causes nerve disease and peripheral arterial disease.
He said that it might also be noted that the incidence of Type 1 diabetes is also increasing. If a child complains of weakness, tiredness, weight loss otherwise eating well and having night bed-wetting or being hospitalized as a case of gastroenteritis, his blood sugar needs to be done. It is likely that he is suffering from Type 1 Diabetes. To save the life of such children, the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology of Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University with the help of pharmaceutical companies is providing free Insulin to all children especially the girl child up to the age of 21 years if they are attending diabetic clinic of the hospital regularly.
He appealed all diabetic persons to join the campaign to prevent all diabetic complications at the start of the diagnosis. Simply remember A.B.C. of diabetic management. “A” stands for Alc test that should be less than 7% (To be done every 3 three months); “B” for Blood pressure (should be less than 130/80 mm Hg) and “c” to keep LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg, Triglycerides less than 150 gm% and HDL- cholesterol more than 45 mg%.
Brisk walking for half an hour per day can prevent 500/0 diabetes. “Healthy Habits” (No smoking, No alcohol), “Healthy Food” (be a vegetarian and cut down the intake of saturated Fat, trans-fat and salt intake), “Healthy sugar” (Pre-meal blood sugar less than 100 mg%, Post-meal blood sugar less than 180 mg% and A1c less than 7%) “Healthy blood pressure” and “Healthy cholesterol” as mentioned above are the best management of diabetes, he added.
Prof. Ahmad appealed all to join the campaign to keep the people free from diabetes and its complications.
No comments:
Post a Comment