Novo Nordisk created Guinness record for India as it went on to attract the largest number of people during its ‘Health Awareness’ programme on the occasion of the World Diabetes Day observed on November 14.

The event was held on November 12 at Bengaluru where 2621 people participated at a mammoth gathering and thereby setting a new Guinness record for India.

Melvin D’Souza, managing trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation and MD, Novo Nordisk India received the certificate from the officials of Guinness Book of Records, who were also present at the occasion to monitor and evaluate the event.

The event included a massive diabetes screening programme and other educational activities. Inaugurating the event, former Lokayukta Chief Santosh Hegde said, that a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups are the key to managing diabetes. Events such as these are essential to not only educate people about diabetes but also to build large scale awareness among the people on basic and other critical aspects of diabetes.”

This achievement is further testimony to our efforts towards creating large scale awareness campaigns about diabetes and related issues. It is however pertinent to note that this is only the tip of the iceberg and much more needs to be done to improve healthcare and combating diabetes. We believe initiatives such as these will help capture the imagination of the larger populace, thereby marching steadfastly towards a diabetes free nation. We have also taken several initiatives at the State and national level like the ‘Changing Diabetes in Children’ (CDiC) programme or partnering with the State governments by launching and implementing the Changing Diabetes Barometer project, said the Novo Nordisk chief.

Dr HM Krishnamurthy, consultant physician and diabetologist, Sanket Healthcare and Diabetes Services said, “India has more than 61 million people with diabetes. However awareness about diabetes is poor. There is an urgent need for people to realize how diabetes can impact not just the life of the person with diabetes but also family members of the person, the community and the country at large.”

“Access to appropriate medication, quality of care and proper medical advice are critical to leading a healthy and active life and reduce the risk of developing complications in diabetes. In this regard, only  regular check-ups and necessary precautions would help to avoid any healthcare issues including diabetes. Early detection of complications was an essential part of good diabetes care which  includes regular foot and eye checks, blood pressure and blood glucose control with assessment of  risks for cardiovascular and kidney disease,” said Dr Narasimha Setty, director, Karnataka Institute of Diabetology.

The event was attended by Prof. C Munichoodappa - director and chief diabetologist, The Bangalore Hospital; consultant, The Bangalore Diabetes Hospital; formerly clinical research fellow at Joslin Diabetes Centre, Boston, USA, Dr Mala Dharmalingam- professor and head, Department of Endocrinology, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Dr Tejaswini Deepak- specialist, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sagar Hospitals, Dr K N Satheesh Babu - consultant - Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, BGS Global Hospitals.