Defeat diabetes: Join the club
Dr Devaki Thatte-Dalvi
Diabetes is an ancient disease. It is called ‘madhumeha’ or honey urine in Sanskrit. India and China are competing for the title of ‘diabetic capital of the world’. We have 41 million diabetics; every fifth diabetic in the world is an Indian.
It is a ‘gift’ of modern lifestyle and economic development. Our food and calorie intake has increased and physical activity reduced, leading to this metabolic disorder. Simple lifestyle changes like daily walking for half an hour, reduction in food intake and choosing the right food helps change the picture.
Many people have no symptoms when their blood sugar or blood pressure is high. By the time typical diabetes symptoms like delayed wound healing or excessive thirst appear, a lot of damage is already done.
It is very important to screen for diabetes even if one feels alright. Many people are prediabetics; when blood sugar increases, but full blown diabetes is not developed. They can be easily treated at this stage with simple lifestyle modification.
Diabetes affects each and every organ in the body. It can cause kidney failure, blindness by damaging the retina, and heart attack or paralysis. It can even cause skin problems.
Treating diabetes is not only controlling blood sugar levels. Patient motivation is very important. The more dedicated the patient is towards his treatment, the better are the results.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Some facts:
• Diabetes causes about 5 per cent of all deaths globally
• 80 per cent of people with diabetes live in low and middle income countries. Most are middle-aged (45 to 64), not elderly (65+)
• Diabetes deaths are likely to increase by more than 50 per cent in the next 10 years, if urgent action isn’t taken
Manipal Hospital, Goa, is to have a Diabetic Clinic, with specialists from the Manipal Group. It will function on the second Saturday of every month, from 10 am to 5 pm. A special preventive diabetic health package designed by the experts will help people control and take corrective measures to keep the disease under check.
The hospital’s new Diabetics Club membership entitles people suffering from diabetes to avail of special benefits at the hospital. Members get a 10 per cent discount on laboratory tests, pharmacy purchase (on Manipal Hospital prescription) and OPD consultations for any speciality. The membership fee is just Rs100 per year. Patients should fill the registration form in consultation with the doctor.
The main objective of this initiative is to prevent diabetes whenever possible and, where not possible, to minimise complications and maximise the quality of life.
(The writer is a consultant at Manipal Hospital Goa and can be contacted on 3048800. Or, email [email protected])
