Earlier, diabetes was generally seen as a disease that would affect those on the verge of becoming senior citizens. The senior citizens would then fight the disease in their own style till the end of their life. Now diabetes is a matter of grave concern since diabetes has been targeting the youth and even children. In a nationwide survey, a considerable number of diabetic patients are found in our state. Hence, the question arises whether Goans need to redefine their lifestyles. Traditionally, the Goan lifestyle wasn’t stressful. Stress is one of the factors that invite diabetes. It is proved that stress has now become a part of the Goan lifestyle.
Which is the most effective mode of treatment for diabetes, can be a matter of discussion. Since diabetes is considered as a lifestyle disorder, it can only be overcome by changing one’s lifestyle. According to those treating diabetes through various medical disciplines, diabetes can be controlled by following proper diet, exercise, weight loss, and adequate sleep. The problems of diabetes in our country is increasing day by day. Many doctors and scientists have been warning about this. But, the number of diabetic patients are increasing day by day. At the same time, a report showing the current status of diabetes in the country has been published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
According to the report, 11 percent of the country’s population has diabetes. Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) with the help of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has studied the matter and the picture with regards to Goa is definitely alarming. Though the figure of pre diabetic patients is less, the number of diabetic patients is comparatively cognizable. According to the study 101 million people have diabetes. In 2019, the numbers were 70 lakh. According to the study approximately 20.6 percent of Goans have diabetes, and has the highest number of patients compared to other state. After Goa, 26.3 percent in Puducherry, 25.5 percent in Kerala and 14.4 percent in Tamil Nadu have diabetes. Uttar Pradesh has the minimum percentage with 4.8 percent having the disorder.
Though the number of diabetic patients is less in Uttar Pradesh, the quantum is expected to increase in the near future. The prediction has been made in the study. Therefore, it is high time Goans change their lifestyle. Earlier there was a belief that only the rich and seniors suffer from diabetes. However, the recent study and research has smashed the perception. Even the poor cannot escape from the clutches of diabetes. The proportion of youth and small children falling prey to the disorder is also immense. Hence, one must wipe away the perception that diabetes is an age specific disease.
The mantra to overcome diabetes is living a stress free life. The government comes into picture here. The citizens staying in the state must live a stress free life, they must get nutritional food and also employment. This is not a tough task. When survival becomes tough, stress emerges and the roots of diabetes spread. Adequate sleep, rest is also required. Presently, the noise levels in coastal areas are under control. However, whether peace will prevail in October when the tourist season begins, is the real question. Lack of adequate and sound sleep not only attracts diabetes, it invites some other diseases also.
The government provides free treatment to diabetic patients. Facilities such as dialysis and insulin are provided to those suffering from kidney failure due to this disease. This is about providing medicines, but the government should also take steps to ensure stress free life and proper sleep. All this can be done by making life easy. There are ripples of diabetes in Goa’s susegad lifestyle. Steps must be taken to avoid the ripples being converted into a storm. There is still time. The government has already started keeping a record of diabetic patients. Government must take necessary steps before the record book is full.
