Date:26/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/26/stories/2008072656510400.htm

New Delhi

New diabetes management initiative in the Capital

Staff Reporter

Aim is to educate and train people about the disease

NEW DELHI: A “Diabetes Peer Support Initiative” will be launched at the Delhi Diabetes Research Centre in Rajouri Garden here this Sunday to empower patients to fight and win against the chronic, debilitating and costly disease that afflicts millions of people across the country.

“Through the Diabetes Peer Support Initiative we intend to create a forum where role models will share their knowledge with others and help them to win over diabetes as well. For this important role, they will be acknowledged from time to time and will also get access to some promos and discounts as well as educational assistance on better diabetes care,” said Delhi Diabetes Research Centre chairman Ashok K. Jhingan at a press conference here.

Dr. Jhingan, who will also conduct a special information and education session on diabetes management for the patients, said Union Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken would give away gold medals to two role models on the occasion.

Not just about drugs

“Management of diabetes is not just about drugs. It also involves peer support. Management of this disease is challenging for those living with it and also for those living around the afflicted person. Peer support can make a sea change in the approach for better diabetes. There is a need to educate and train these people with the basics of diabetes, importance of regular monitoring and also to create awareness about the complications and detection,” said Dr. Jhingan.

Stating that diabetic patients must take 50 minutes of brisk walk five days a week, Dr. Jhingan said: “Yogic exercises must be done along with swimming or gym. A normal balanced diet is necessary. Non-vegetarians should eat lean meat like fish or chicken. Roasted or boiled chicken should be eaten instead of high-cholesterol dishes like butter chicken.”

Pointing out that peer support plays a crucial role in the outcome of diabetes care, Dr. Jhingan said people who are suffering from the disease can be role models for others in dispelling myths and apprehensions surrounding management of diabetes.