Date:18/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/18/stories/2006081825810300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Campaign launched to prevent diabetes

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The Samatvam Endocrinology Diabetes Centre and the Rotary Bangalore J.P. Nagar have launched a campaign "Diabetes: power of prevention".

The campaign aims at creating awareness among people on simple precautions that needed to be taken to prevent diabetes and its complications.

Medical Director of Samatvam Endocrinology Diabetes Centre S. Srikanta told presspersons here on Thursday that if neglected diabetes could lead to heart attack, stroke, amputation, kidney problems and blindness. A few simple precautions could prevent diabetes.

Healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintenance of ideal body weight, control of blood glucose levels, no smoking, and stress management could prevent diabetes, he said.

As part of this campaign, a "Stop Diabetes" programme will be organised on August 20 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at R.V. Dental College, 24th Main, J.P. Nagar 1st Phase to enable people to undergo medical check up, health education and self-care training.

Many doctors specialising in diabetes endocrinology, ophthalmology, nephrology, cardiology, surgery/foot care, pulmonary and dental medicine will screen the persons who come for the check up.

There will be a diabetes exhibition on diabetes healthcare products, books and other health education materials.

Shiva Subramanyam of Rotary Bangalore J.P. Nagar said that as part of the campaign, Rotary had embarked on a matching grant project with support from the Rotary Club of Minnesota, U.S., and Rotary International Foundation to provide hospital equipment required for screening the deserving patients and treating them.