Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF), a non-profit organisation, organised a Diabetes Walkathon for children as a part of their ‘Changing Diabetes in Children’ (CDiC) programme in New Delhi. More than 250 children between the ages of three and 18 years participated in the diabetes walkathon.

The walkathon kicked off with participants assembling at TalkotoraStadium at 10 am wearing white T shirts with the blue circle, the global symbol signifying “Unite for Diabetes”, provided by the NNEF. In keeping with the walk’s theme of fitness and fun, energetic warm up sessions, Blue circle formation and Drawing competition kept the children engaged. Over eight children were felicitated for successfully managing type1 diabetes and thus setting an example for many suffering from the condition.

In addition, there were informative talks held on management of type-1 diabetes in children by Dr A K Jhingan, grow as you should grow by Dr IPS Kochar & useful information on managing, hypo and hyperglycemia. The event was organised to raise awareness about type1 diabetes, felicitate few children who even with this disorder are doing very well in academics, sports or other cultural activities, to let the public know that if properly managed these children with type1 diabetes can lead a normal life and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Speaking on the occasion Dr A K Jhingan said, “After learning about type1 diabetes and what life is like with the condition, children will have a better understanding of the importance of self-management of diabetes and take active role in curtailing it.”

These talks addressed issues such as managing diabetes by eating moderately, managing medicines, exercising regularly and inculcating values of leading a healthy lifestyle at the formative age. Since the condition has a life-long impact on health, their message to the entire family was to be vigilant, have regular check-ups and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Melvin D’Souza, managing trustee, NNEF and MD, Novo Nordisk India said, “The smiles on the faces of the little ones afflicted by diabetes makes our efforts worthwhile. We aredeeply committed to the cause of diabetes and will continue to drive several initiatives year round to educate the community about prevention, control and management of Diabetes in India.”

The CDiC programme is a partnership initiative with Novo Nordisk. CDiC is a national programme designed to provide comprehensive and sustainable diabetes care to children with type1 diabetes from underprivileged families. As part of the programme, twenty one healthcare hubs in fifteen cities all over India with a series of satellite centres and specially trained healthcare personnel have been set up at existing hospitals and clinics. These centres will ensure access to diagnosis, patient education and treatment – including free human insulin and glucose monitoring. In fact the programme has already reached out to more than 4000 children from underprivileged families in a span of two years.

NNEF aims to provide comprehensive education in diabetes and other healthcare issues by bridging the knowledge gap.