GUWAHATI, Nov 13 � Diabetes, the silent killer, is on the rise in the country, and therefore people should become more aware about the disease. Early screening and detection is important, because the classic symptoms of the ailment usually manifest at a later stage.
This was conveyed in clear terms during a press conference organized by the North Eastern Diabetes Society (NEDS), on the eve of World Diabetes Day, which will be observed in Guwahati tomorrow by the society.
Doctors present in the event asked the media to highlight the risks and warning signs of diabates. People should know how to respond to the disease and where to seek help, and no less crucially know how to manage diabetes and to take control.
This year, the World Diabetes Day campaign�s key message underscores the fact that preventing the disease and its treatment are simple and cost effective. To prevent diabetes one should know the signs and symptoms of the disease, because early diagnosis saves lives.
Speaking to media persons, Dr K Barman, an expert on diabetes, said that awareness among the public at large was a key to combat the disease. He said that without waiting for the classic symptoms to appear, people should go in for early checks because the disease shows symptoms at a later stage.
He pointed out that diabetes could have genetic as well as environmental triggers, and those at risk should have an understanding of the disease and act in a manner that reduces their vulnerability.
Sedentary lifestyle and improper diet could lead to onset of the disease, and therefore it was important that people heve the correct responsive action. On the other hand, an active lifestyle and proper diet considerably lower the risks.
Information provided by the organizers of the meet revealed that every second person dies from diabetes related causes, and each year seven million people develop diabetes. Globally, it is the fourth leading disease causing death, even though up to 60 per cent of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
Worryingly, the International Diabetes Federation predicted that by the year 2030, close to half a billion people will have to live with the disease worldwide.
With an aim to promote awareness about the disease, NEDS will organize a daylong programme in the city tomorrow. It would start with an �awareness run� from 7 am, starting off at Latasil and finishing at Tarun Ram Phookun Indoor Stadium. Later on a diabetes screening programme will be held, which will be followed by other events.
