Healthcare providers who participated in programmes organised as part of World Diabetes Day celebrations on Sunday sought to drive home the need to raise awareness of the causes of diabetes and its prevention.
The day began with a walk on the Marina Beach organised by Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Gopalapuram. Additional Director General of Police (law and order) K. Radhakrishnan flagged off the walk and Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali and Mylapore MLA S.Ve. Shekher participated.
Cycle rally
A cycle rally also was organised.
The participants were exhorted to take a pledge to control diabetes. V. Mohan, chairman of Dr. Mohan's DSC said “Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is an essential component of diabetes management. Diabetes needs to be kept under control to be symptom-free and prevent long term complications.” Ophthalmoloigst Mohan Rajan explained that it is estimated that by 2025, every fifth diabetic in the world would be an Indian. The commonest eye complications that people must beware of are cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
Five-year agenda
At MV Hospital for Diabetes and Diabetes Research Centre, Royapuram, iats Managing Director Vijay Viswanathan introduced the five-year agenda of International Diabetes Federation of ‘Diabetes education and Prevention' to participants that included cardiologists, gynaecologists, neurologists and ophthalmologists besides Shiv Das Meena, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation.
