November 14th is World Diabetes Day an annual reminder that diabetes remains a major, global epidemic that today affects 382 million people across the world. To combat this deadly disease, SRL Diagnostics on this day is going to conduct free sugar tests for the entire Indian population. The idea behind this nation-wide campaign is to facilitate earlier detection of the disease, thus easing disease management and reducing the risk of complications.
To cope up with the complexities of diabetes and to awaken mankind about the devastating effects of this underrated disease, SRL Diagnostics is conducting these free sugar tests in their centres in Delhi, Mohali, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore. They are also extending these free services to the underprivileged sections of Tihar Jail inmates (Delhi) and Dharavi slum (Mumbai).
According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of people with diabetes worldwide is projected to rise to nearly 600 million by 2035. Nearly 5 million people died last year as a result of diabetes – half of them were under the age of 60. But the reality today is that the ravages of diabetes are often unimpeded by medical care. Statistics state that India has 67 million diabetes cases while China has about 92 million. It is estimated that by 2030, India will have around 100 million diabetes patients and could surpass even China. Half of the 382 million people with diabetes today don’t even know they have it.
Dr. B R Das, president Research and Innovation, Mentor Molecular Pathology and Clinical Research Service of SRL Diagnostics highlighting the threats of this disease said, “Diabetes causes more deaths than breast cancer and HIV/AIDS put together. Millions of Indians suffer from diabetes and through this SRL diagnostics nationwide free tests, we can aware the Indian population about its adverse effects on one’s self. Screening is crucial as it helps in recommending the right line of treatment.”
As the risk and course of the disease in an individual is affected by a range of genetic and environmental factors, and it can result in a variety of complications, including blindness, nerve damage, kidney failure, heart disease, peripheral artery disease resulting in amputations, and stroke. Co-morbidities, including depression and cognitive decline, are also prevalent.
On the preventive side maintaining a balanced diet combined with the regular exercise can really help one prone to the diabetes. Eating of expensive diabetic food generally offers no special benefit rather protein rich diet with high fat and low carb diet may actually cause insulin resistance- a key factor in diabetes.