Date:01/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/01/stories/2007070152070200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Diabetes - the silent killer

Diabetes care is a lifelong responsibility. Consulting family doctor and regular check up of eyes, feet, teeth, blood sugar and maintaining other healthy habits help in minimizing diabetes complications.

The treatment for Diabetes should be continuous, proactive, planned and patient centered. This foresight lead Dr. Y. Sada Siva Rao to establish Diabetic Care Centre as a specialized Diabetic Centre in 1987 and later Yalamanchi Diabetes Specialities Ce ntre, a 30 bedded territiary care referral hospital for diabetes in 2002.

An organized multidisciplinary care and complete services by a team of experts at Yalamanchi Diabetes Specialities Centre greatly reduces the risk of the disabling complications of blindness, foot problems, Alzheimer’s, heart attacks, strokes and also improves the expectation of the normal pregnancy in diabetic women. The centre conducts free medical camps and treats the economically backward people free of cost.

Diabetes is catching up in India at a younger age when compared to the western countries. 50 percent of the Beta cells are destroyed by the time a person is diagnosed as having diabetes. “Lifestyle modification and education plays a vital role in controlling this progressive disease. With sea change in the treatment of diabetes, diabetic patients can look forward for a better life with proper medication and care,” claims Dr. Y. Sada Siva Rao.