Pics by: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 15: World Diabetes Day was marked with free health check-up camp to detect the disease at Adarsha Hospital, Udupi on Sunday, November 15.
Former minister Pramodh Madhwaraj inaugurated the health camp. Addressing the gathering, he said, “In my opinion around 70% of the Indian population is suffering from diabetes, of which many are unidentified. Sugar is largely consumed by the Indian population for various reasons. It is better to take precautionary measures and avoid the ill effects of diabetes which affects most of the internal organs of our body."
He said, "We care much for our vehicles and less for our body's health. It is equally important to take care of our health just like we take care of our vehicles from time to time. Through this free health check-up camp initiative Adarsha Hospital is educating and providing a valuable service to a large number of patients. Dr G S Chandrashekar even though born in Chikkamagaluru, has made Udupi as his karmabhoomi for which we are very proud. Let this type of informative and educative initiatives by Adarsha Hospital reach more people so they can benefit from this.”
Dr G S Chandrashekar, medical director of Adarsha Hospital, said in his introductory words, “Obesity and diabetes are like brothers and both go hand in hand. More than 13 crore of people in India are suffering from diabetes, and another 20% of people are pre-diabetic. Diabetes is not a disease; you can achieve anything with diabetes. You can be a good businessman, a good performer or even a good achiever even though you are suffering from diabetes."
He said, "Diabetes is not a single disease; uncontrolled diabetes affects multiple organs of the human body. It is important for a diabetic patient to know their body's numbers to understand the exact impact the disease is creating on their body. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy are the major concerns. 30 patients out of 100 diabetics are now under dialysis due to kidney failure."
"It is important for diabetic patients to do a urine test and check the protein amounts in urine for diabetic patients at least twice in a year. If the creatinine levels cross the 1.5 mark it is important to be under medication. Regular check-ups, exercise and maintaining the blood sugar level along with maintaining healthy body mass index becomes important for diabetic patients,” Dr Chandrashekar said.
Dr Mukhyaprana Prabhu, president of the Association of Physicians of India Udupi - Manipal chapter, said in his words, “Diabetes is a major concern today the world faces today. Complications from diabetes also need to be taken care of. Do not worry when you are identified with diabetes but start to live with care. Proper medication and follow ups help a lot in such cases”.
Vimala Chandrashekar, CEO Adarsha hospital was also present on the dais, Anushree Acharya compered the programme, Prakash D K proposed vote of thanks.
In addition to the free camp, the hospital is giving a comprehensive diabetes care package available at a concessional rate of Rs 2,200 from November 16 to November 30. This discounted package includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), urine routine, lipid profile, fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar (FBS & PPBS), serum creatinine, HbA1c, Liver Function Test (LFT), uric acid, ECG, Echo/TMT, and specialist consultation.