Novo Nordisk India Private Limited in association with Apollo Hospital Group has launched an awareness programme to increase patient education on diabetes through various screening camps, patient education programmes and medical advocacy.

India is considered to be the diabetes capital of world with its diabetic population of 41 million people as estimated in 2007 and is expected to rise to 80 million within one generation. One person succumbs every 10 seconds to diabetes complications. In this connection, massive awareness needs to be created in the understanding of better diabetes management.

Both Apollo Hospital and Novo Nordisk along with Rotary International Bangalore District, Abbott India, Johnson & Johnson and Merisant organised the event. The event, Diabetes Walk titled 'Unite for Diabetes', was flagged off by the Chief Justice of Karnataka Cyriac Joseph and Melvin Oscar D' Souza, managing director, Novo Nordisk (India) Private Limited.

The walk highlighted the rising prevalence of diabetes in India and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis to reduce the many complications associated with the disease and thereby save lives. The walk acknowledged the 246 million people estimated to live with diabetes worldwide. It also highlighted the importance of joining forces to increase awareness about diabetes and emphasized the shared responsibility in improving the lives of people with diabetes.

"The percentage of people afflicted with diabetes is rapidly rising. Changing lifestyles, increasing stress levels, a genetic pre-disposition and most seriously, neglect of timely screening and treatment have resulted in a pandemic that has earned diabetes the title of silent killer in India. In our association with diabetes care for over 80 years, Novo Nordisk has ushered in various education platforms to positively impact on the lives of people. Our patient care activities have moved beyond the threshold of urban metros and are now mobilized towards interior areas in India", stated Melvin Oscar D'Souza, managing director, Novo Nordisk India.

According to Dr Umapathy Panyala, chief operations officer, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, the walk 'Unite for Diabetes' has a symbolic relationship of touching patients afflicted with Diabetes. The rise in the number of Diabetics in India only reinstates our shared commitment to this walk".

Dr Mohan Badgandi, eminent diabetologist, stressed on the need of better glycolic control. Among the participants for the diabetes walk included Sanjeev Shishoo, vice- president, International Operations, Novo Nordisk, Dr Ramkrishnappa, director of Horticulture, Bangalore, M Chandrakumar, managing committee member, Jaivik Krishik Society, Bangalore, Dr Shivaleela, head of department, Bakery Farming Unit, University of Agriculture, Hebbal.