GUWAHATI, Nov 14 - Along with the rest of the country, World Diabetes Day was observed across the length and breadth of the State today.
The theme of World Diabetes Day this year is �Family and Diabetes� underlining the message to protect one�s family from diabetes. A host of events, including awareness programmes, were organised to mark the occasion, especially by the healthcare institutions and non-profit organisations.
These included a �competitive marathon run� organised by Hayat Hospital here this morning. It was organised to raise mass awareness on the global threat that has now grown manifold in Assam as well, stated Paragjyoti Dutta, General Manager (Operation), Hayat Hospital.
Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Hrishikesh Goswami, and Sudhir Kumar Sharma, GM, Network One, SBI, Guwahati, flagged off the marathon in which 1,500 competitors participated in two groups � one group taking part in a 5-km run and the other in a 10-km run.
It was flagged off from the Khanapara Veterinary College ground at 5.30 am. The special invitees included Pranay Bordoloi, Managing Editor of Prag News, veteran actress Chetana Das and Hayat Hospital CEO Rajib Saikia.
In the end, the first, the second and the third position holders in both the groups were awarded with a trophy, a medal and a certificate each, apart from cash awards. A total 12 participants were awarded � three male and three female winners in each group.
Besides, in both the groups, altogether 400 finishers were presented medals and certificates.
The day was also observed by Dr Rupam�s Diabetes & Footcare Centre, Panbazar, which organized a daylong diabetes awareness and detection camp to mark the occasion.
As part of the programme, free-of-cost RBS, HBA1C, neuropathy test and diabetologist and diet consultation were offered. A statement issued by the centre said that 20 per cent discount for investigations will be offered for the entire month of November as the Diabetes Awareness Month.
City-based Excelcare Hospitals also started off a weeklong campaign on the occasion today. A free health camp that provided screening for blood sugar, blood pressure and other vitals, along with counselling, was organised in the hospital premises.
Dr Manash Pratim Baruah, Director and HOD, Diabetology and Endocrinology, Excelcare Hospitals, inaugurated the camp. Dr Baruah stated, �The free screening camp has been organised because one in every four people suffering from diabetes remain undiagnosed due to lack of awareness. With early detection, diabetes can be effectively managed in order to live a happy life.�
Dr Baruah went on to state that the weeklong campaign would culminate with the visit of Dr Swaminathan, GEM Hospital, Chennai, to Excelcare Hospitals. Dr Swaminathan will provide consultation and interact with patients suffering from Type-1 diabetes, pancreatic disorders, etc.
Along the sidelines of the camp on Thursday, Tinababy Baruah, consultant dietician, Excelcare Hospitals, provided diet counselling to the attendants who got themselves screened at the camp.
Another free diabetes detection camp was organised at Sanatan Pujabari, Barsapara and South Point School by the Lions Club of Guwahati South from 11 am to 2 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm respectively. Leaflets were distributed by the Lions Club for raising awareness against diabetes.
