According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower-limb amputation. It is among the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) apart from hypertension and obesity. Almost every other member of an extended family is in the grip of one or even more such diseases.
Particularly alarming is the fact that children are increasingly being diagnosed with NCDs as they are hooked on fast food and a sedentary lifestyle.
Recently, in a worrying development, a latest study on diabetes by the Indian Council of Medical Research has revealed that the rate of increase in the prevalence of this illness in the country is much higher than what was estimated.
According to a survey of people above 20 years, 11.4 per cent of the population suffers from NCDs. It is important to keep diabetes in check as it can prove to be debilitating or even fatal if not treated or controlled with medicine and lifestyle changes.
Earlier this year, the government informed the parliament that the Department of Health & Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States and UTs under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), as part of National Health Mission (NHM).
The programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion and awareness generation, screening, early diagnosis, management and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment of the NCDs.
A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening has been rolled out in the country under NHM and also as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care.
While the government initiatives are welcome, more is needed in terms of efforts on the ground. There is need for proper mechanism to ensure various schemes are realized rather than existing on papers.
The importance of early diagnosis and early treatment in certain conditions cannot be over-empathized.
Several of the diseases that cause sudden death in young can be detected by cardiac screening and treated before they turn into a tragedy. There is need to remind expert opinion that type-2 diabetes can be reversed through a healthy diet and physical activity in 60 per cent of the cases.
The individuals must be disciplined about their diet including beverages alongside ensuring physical activity. Also, the government needs to take measures that will ensure monitoring the patients with regular follow-ups.
