Novo Nordisk, the world leader in diabetes care, organized a Diabetes Walk at the Cubbon Park, in Bangalore on the occasion of United Nations mandated World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14. In keeping with the International Diabetes Federation theme of 'Diabetes among children and adolescents' and in solidarity with the millions of people with diabetes, the walk focused on key issues in the wake of rising prevalence of diabetes among children and youth in India.
Thousands of people from different walks of life, including children, joined the 'Diabetes Walk' in solidarity, pledging to fight the diabetes through awareness campaigns at various levels. The event also included a series of talks on the critical issues of diabetes among children and adolescents, and raised the banner on the growing incidences of diabetes among children. Numerous school and college activities were also conducted where children, teachers and principals were informed about the issues, complications and therapy for young children with diabetes.
The event was flagged off by home minister, Karnataka State Dr V S Acharya in the presence of Melvin Oscar D' Souza, managing director, Novo Nordisk India Private Limited.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Acharya said, "India is considered to be the diabetes capital of world with more than 40 million people affected with the disorder. This World Diabetes Day walk organized by Novo Nordisk is the right step to raise the bar in the fight against diabetes. It is vital that people come together to take cognizance of the ills associated with diabetes and to associate with activities that would further an understanding of better diabetes management."
"Changing Diabetes is our motto and constant endeavor. We at Novo Nordisk have ushered in various active initiatives to tackle the problem faced by children and youth in India. Novo Nordisk has embarked on a mission to spread awareness about the various issues confronting young people with diabetes as well as those at risk with diabetes. Our 'Patient Education Programmes' under the banner of the Novo Nordisk Education Foundation reaches millions of people across the country, stated Melvin D'Souza.
Lending support to this Diabetes Walk were Justice Gopalakrishna Gowda, senior High Court Judge, minister for Transport R Ashok, K M Krishnamurthy, MLA, Kaddur, Dr Mahesh Joshi, senior director - Doordarshan Kendra, Bangalore, Dr Munichoodapa, director - Bangalore Hospitals and Sanjeev Shishoo, vice- president, Novo Nordisk Regional Office Far East. This support highlighted the importance of joining forces to increase awareness about diabetes and emphasised a shared responsibility in improving the lives of people with diabetes.