November 28, 2011
School of Medicine, Kochi
Four million people world-wide succumb to diabetes annually.
In addition, some 350 million continue to suffer, year after year, as per WHO statistics.
Unhealthy food habits, adulteration of food items, use of alcohol, smoking, lack of exercise and stress are some factors that invite the onset of this deadly disease.
For a person suffering from diabetes, blood sugar level rises due to inadequate production of insulin, and that leads to several complications.
“Diabetes can be kept under control by maintaining good diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, exercising regularly, taking medicines as prescribed by the doctor and monitoring blood glucose levels everyday,” stated Dr. Unnikrishnan A. G., Professor, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Podiatry at the Amrita School of Medicine.
Dr. Unnikrishnan was speaking during DIAFEST 2011 to patients and the general public to commemorate World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2011.
To mark this day, the Amrita Diabetic Welfare Association (ADWA) organized a number of programs during the week of November 12 – 20, 2011.
A medical camp was organized at N.S.S Karayogam Hall, Edappally on November 12, wherein many people availed of the free check up to detect diabetes. The medical camp also offered free eye and dental exams.
During November 14 – 16, a diabetic diet exhibition was organized at the Health Sciences campus. Posters displayed sought to educate people about food items to be consumed and those to be avoided.
“Green leafy vegetables, peppers, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, cabbage and whole grains can be consumed in plenty without any harm. Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as enriched white or wheat bread, sugary sweets and commercially prepared chips, cookies, soft drinks, candy, protein sources dense in saturated fat, such as red meat, poultry, whole milk, egg yolk, fried food and fast food,” the posters stated.
On November 20, a full-day educational program was organized for families having children and youngsters suffering from Type 1 diabetes. Injections are necessary for these patients as the only way to administer insulin.
The patients and their parents participated in classes, diet and counselling sessions.
“I am diabetic from the age of seven but I have now learned how to keep the disease under control through proper diet, insulin intake and regular exercise. For me, diabetes has now become a friend, helping me maintain a healthy lifestyle,” stated 21-year-old Krishnapriya, who participated in the educational program.
Students and staff members of the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Podiatry also performed street plays to reiterate the need to fight against diabetes.
