In what’s touted as the next big killer of the times ahead, Diabetes is slowly yet steadily making its presence strong across the globe. Awareness and proper education among the layman are what will serve as mighty tools to fight this deadly disease. And in an endeavour to do the same, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre (DMDSC) recently launched ‘Let’s Defeat Diabetes’- a public initiative that aims at educating the individuals about diabetes.
The event saw a star-studded line up of celebrities such as Actors Mr. S. VE. Shekher, Ms. Revathi and Ms. Gautami, the Prince of
Arcot, Mr. Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Lyricist Mr. Vairamuthu, Playback Singer Ms. Sujatha Mohan, and Squash Champion Ms. Dipika Pallikal.
Also read: Expert take on diabetes- what you should know
The ‘scary’ truth about Diabetes:
In a recent study published this year by Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, it was revealed that in India, 50% of the individuals with diabetes were unaware of their condition. “Let’s Defeat Diabetes” aims at encouraging people to understand their risk of diabetes and join the crusade to defeat diabetes not just for themselves but for others around them.
To be a part of the campaign, individuals can log on to the website www.letsdefeatdiabetes.com to take the pledge. The interactive website helps individuals to understand the condition better, seek information on changes that can be incorporated in their day to day lives to manage diabetes, download expert videos and interactive content etc. This will be followed by on ground interactions with expert, walkathons, diet and exercise sessions etc.
Speaking on the launch Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman & Chief Diabetologist, DMDSC said, “I dedicate the ‘Let’s Defeat Diabetes’ Campaign to the citizens of India. With this campaign, we want to spread awareness as Diabetes is taken very lightly in our country despite the fact that it is the 7th leading cause of death in India. The progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes can be stalled successfully if the individual adopts a simple BLUE formula i.e. Blood Checks, Lifestyle changes, Understanding your food and Exercise. With proper treatment plan and lifestyle modification, patients can live a long and disease free life. The long term survivors whose journey we shared with you today are a living testimony to our belief that diabetes can be defeated”.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has declared 2017 as the year dedicated to Women and Diabetes. Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths per year. There are currently over 199 million women living with diabetes. This total is projected to increase to 313 million by 2040. Two out of every five women with diabetes are of reproductive age, accounting for over 60 million women worldwide.
The celebrities, who spoke on the occasion, emphasised on the need to arm ourselves with better knowledge and awareness about the disease.