An exhibition on diabetes and ways to fight it that was held in Mulund recently saw a huge turnout.
A Correspondent
"Diabetes cannot be cured but good control is as good as a cure," remarked Dr Thomas Koshi at the mega health exhibition on diabetes organised by a Mulund-based hospital at Maharashtra Seva Sangh Hall, on Sunday, November 19.
Dr Koshi from the hospital states, "We hit upon the idea of this unique exhibition in order to cover all aspects related to diabetes. 20 per cent of the world diabetic population is Indian. According to WHO by 2025 this percentage will touch 50. We do not want to scare the public but a major worry confronting the Indain health authorities is the relatively young age at which diabetes is diagnosed in many patients. So, this year on November 14, which is also observed as World Diabetic Day, we held a walk in which several schoolchildren from Mulund also participated.”
The event on Sunday began with a yoga session followed by the screening of a thirty-minute film that threw light on diabetes and its management. Besides what, when and why in diabetes, the focus of the health exhibition was on leading a healthy life. The morning session, which covered topics like diet, exercise and lifestyle modification also touched upon related problems like foot care, insulin management and diabetes during pregnancy.
A food stall showcased the food items to be included and those to be avoided by a diabetic. 15-year-old Meetal, a class ten student from Mulund shared her experience with the audience. "When I was in class three, I was diagnosed with diabetes, but I am leading a normal life by following my doctor’s instructions. I take my regular insulin injections and I have managed to keep my blood sugar in control," she stated.
The question-answer session stressed on certain myths and misconceptions about diabetes. Dr Koshi emphasised the fact that diet and exercise remains the cornerstone of diabetes management. While clarifying the misconception regarding diet he explained, "It is generally believed that once diabetes is controlled, one can take liberties with respect to diet. Many patients take an extra helping of sweets and try to compensate it with an extra dose of self medication, which is dangerous because diabetes is a silent disease. 95 per cent of the patients do not display any kind of symptoms. Even the heart attack experienced by a diabetic patient is a silent one, therefore it is necessary to monitor the blood sugar at regular intervals. Regular checkup enables one to take corrective steps to arrest the progression of various complications."
Dr A K Sokhi, the local municipal councillor who graced the occasion as the special guest stressed the need for holding similar health awareness drives. "Greater awareness will help the patients to cope with the disease in a better way," she concluded.
"We hit upon the idea of this unique exhibition in order to cover all aspects related to diabetes. 20 per cent of the world diabetic population is Indian."
-Dr Thomas Koshi
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