Lucknow, November 14: World Diabetes Day was organized by Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI-Uttar Pradesh Chapter). In order to create awareness among the people, the society has been organizing the program on global Diabetes Day on November 14. The guest of honour was Mr Anurag Mishra Mishra , corporator Chowk and Prof Amod Sachan,founder of Hind Group of Institutions
The secretary, Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (UP chapter) and a prominent expert of diabetes Dr Ajoy Tewari said that every year the International Diabetes Federation leads the world initiative against diabetes by illuminating iconic monuments of the world. Dr Tewari said this year the UP chapter of the RSSDI had taken initiative to illuminate Naubat khana in the Bada ImamBara Complex – the iconic monument of Lucknow to show solidarity with the world community in this fight against diabetes. He said the theme for this year’s world diabetes day is knowing your risk of diabetes and the slogan is “know your risk, know your response”.
Dr Tewari said 14th of November is the annual World Diabetes Day and 2024 – 2026 theme is “Diabetes and Well-being“. He said millions of people with diabetes around the world do not have access to diabetes care. People with diabetes require ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications. He laid stress of spreading extensive message about diabetes in November. He called upon the people to effectively create awareness about the physical and mental challenges of diabetes and join us in prioritizing well-being. Dr Tewari said Several challenges related to diabetes can negatively impact over all well-being.
It may be mentioned that an ICMR study published in the journal ‘Lancet’ at least 136 million people, or 15.3% of the population, have prediabetes. The highest prevalence of diabetes was observed in Goa (26.4%), Puducherry (26.3%) and Kerala (25.5%). The national average is 11.4%.
The study, however, warns of an explosion of diabetes cases in states with lower prevalence, such as UP, MP, Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh. For every person with diabetes in UP, there are nearly four people with pre-diabetes. This means these people will soon become diabetics. UP has a diabetic prevalence of 4.8%, the lowest in the country, but 18% are pre-diabetics compared to the national average 15.3%.While 11.4% of India’s population is diabetic, 15.3% have prediabetes. Ratio of diabetic to prediabetic people is 1:1 in Delhi, 1:1.2 in Maharashtra, 1:1.5 in Haryana and 1:3.8 in UP. Every sixth patient in the world is from India.
Prof Anuj Maheshwari, President Elect RSSDI national said there were at least 136 million pre-diabetic people who can be saved from diabetes by adopting a good lifestyle, balanced diet and exercise like jogging, cycling and other sports. Prof Anuj Maheshwari said diabetics have to approach every part of the day with constant caution and extra effort. It can lead to stigma, bullying, and a sense of hopelessness, especially when access to care is limited, making it a matter of life and death. While diabetes affects both physical and mental well-being, care often focuses only on blood sugar management, leaving many overwhelmed. Recent studies conducted among people living with diabetes, found that: 36% experience diabetes distress, 63%of people with diabetes say that the fear of developing diabetes-related complications affects their well-being. 28%of people with diabetes find it hard to remain positive in relation to their condition.
Prof Narsingh Verma, Chairman elect RSSDI (UP Chapter) said in view of serious crisis, awareness among people was necessary to protect the people. He said every year the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) observes World Diabetes Day on November 14 which is aimed at creating awareness about diabetes among the people. He said through various programmes people are made aware about the seriousness of diabetes, and highlight strategies to control. Prof Narsingh Verma further said under the diabetes prevention program it was revealed that 58% possibility of diabetes could be controlled by reducing just 5% of weight.
Dr Tewari said that Diabetes day is celebrated every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. World Diabetes day (WDD) was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization and became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225. For the 537 million people worldwide living with diabetes, everyday life can be a struggle. Prof Vineeta Tewari compered the program.
