India celebrates Children’s Day on November 14. It is an important day for adults as well, as the World Diabetes Day falls on that day, and its importance is growing year after year in the wake of more and more diabetes cases being reported from across the country.
Madurai being no exception, doctors say it is high time adults learnt ways to prevent or control ‘sugar.’ A random survey conducted in the city three years ago threw some shockers. It said 13 per cent of people aged above 40 were diabetics. Another 12 per cent were in the pre-diabetic stage.
The survey concluded that 25 per cent of Madurai population was in the “danger zone.”
A.J. Asirvatham, former head, Department of Diabetology, Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), who led the survey, says: “We checked blood sugar level of over 2,000 persons and it showed how dangerously poised diabetes is in Madurai. If some simple and inexpensive measures are followed, it can be either prevented or put under control,” he says.
30-minute brisk walkHis first message for non-diabetics is to go for a 30-minute brisk walk every day. At the same time, they should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables even while avoiding fast foods. Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited. “If someone is already a diabetic, he must strive to have normal body weight, follow a balanced diet and do physical exercise. Regular check-up of blood sugar at home is a must to control eating,” says Dr. Asirvatham.
K. Senthil, Head of Department of Diabetology, GRH, is worried about the epidemic proportion of this silent killer. “The incidence in Madurai is so high that family history of diabetics becomes irrelevant and preventive steps assume importance. Since the “onset age” is coming down, it is advisable to go for blood sugar test when one reaches 30. At the GRH, we witness a 20 per cent increase in diabetes cases every year,” he says.
Diabetes shows no symptoms and silently positions itself in the body, threatening vital organs. Heart attack, stroke, poor eyesight and kidney disorder are some of the complications caused by it. Dr. Asirvatham stresses that diabetics can lead a normal life if they follow a strict diet and exercise regime. “Avoid oil and fat-rich food. Go for fibre food and if you are above 30 years, go for blood test,” he says.
Rice, the culprit?According to Dr. Senthil, rice consumption could be one of the reasons for a spurt in diabetic cases in the State.
S. Natarajan, district project coordinator, Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, says screening camps are conducted in all government health facilities. “In 2012, we diagnosed 3,370 new diabetes cases and in 2013 it went up to 6,017. Till October this year, 944 cases have been identified. There is no distinction between urban and rural areas since diabetes is spreading without barriers,” says Dr. Natarajan. In Tamil Nadu, it is estimated that five million people are diabetics and many of them have poor eyesight due to diabetic retinopathy. M. Veerasamy, national convenor, National Ophthalmic Associate Association, says awareness of eye complications arising out of diabetes is low. “We are conducting awareness and eye screening programmes in this regard,” he says.
