Sugar today, sugar-coated pill tomorrow

Act on diabetes now. This is the theme chosen by International Diabetes Federation for this year’s World Diabetes Day, which will be marked on Monday. Specialists from the city will gather and discuss ways to control diabetes.

Currently, 5 crore Indians suffer from diabetes. By 2030, this figure will increase to about 8 crore, reveal studies.

 “There is a need to create awareness about diabetes. Specialists must work together to educate the common man about the symptoms and treatment of the disease,” said Dr Rajeswari Janakiraman, endocrinologist, Columbia Asia Hospital.

It has been found that children with type-1 diabetes die because of lack of diagnostic facilities and timely treatment. Even when diagnosed, the discontinuation of insulin injections due to lack of diabetes education poses a threat to their lives.

“Ideally, every child diagnosed with type-1 diabetes should be evaluated by a diabetes team consisting of a paediatric endocrinologist, nurse educator, dietician, and health professional. Moreover, educating the patient’s family is also important. The child’s teachers must also be educated about the
disease and must be trained to handle emergency situations like low sugar,” said Dr Rajeswari.

The specific needs of children suffering from diabetes are often overlooked.

Taking proper medication, checking blood glucose levels, balancing activity and food choices is important for the child’s physical and emotional growth.

While most of these children have type-1 diabetes, recently, a rise in type-2 diabetes among children and adolescents was also found, because of wrong eating habits and sedentary lifestyles.
It is thus imperative to sensitise teachers, schools, colleges and parents about dealing with young patients suffering from diabetes.

“The common type of diabetes worldwide, but more so in India, is the type of diabetes that comes on due to consumption of food extremely high in calories. As majority of Indian food is carbohydrate-based with liberal use of oil or ghee, the risk of diabetes is very high among Indians,” said Dr Mahesh S, senior consultant, endocrinology, Apollo Hospitals.