Nawaloka Hospitals’ ‘Serene’ Diabetes Centre commemorates World Diabetes Day

In an attempt to create a greater awareness of this disease, which is fast increasing in pandemic proportions, even more than HIV/AIDS, Nawaloka Hospitals’ ‘Serene’ Diabetes Centre will commemorate World Diabetes Day (14 November) with a special programme where a series of Diabetes related activities will be held at the hospital premises on 16 November, commencing 7.30 a.m. The ‘Serene’ Diabetes Centre will see Nawaloka Hospitals once more in the forefront with an elaborate public health awareness programme being conducted, in keeping with the hospital’s CSR initiatives.

Fasting Blood Sugar tests will be done with the medical officers interpreting the reports then and there and giving advice free of charge, while cookery demonstrations on the preparation of healthy food by the Nawaloka Hospital chefs, as well as interactive sessions with leading Consultant Diabetologists, are all part of the day’s activities.

“WHO figures estimate that the number of Diabetics worldwide will rise to 380 million by the year 2025, while those affected by Impaired Glucose Tolerance [IGT] will rise to 418 million, with an estimated seven million people developing Diabetes every year”, said Nawaloka Hospitals Director and General Manager, Professor Lal Chandrasena. “Of these figures the highest prevalence rates will be in developing countries like ours.  It is estimated that currently 10.3 per cent of our adult population [above 20] are affected by Diabetes, while by the year 2030 this figure is expected to reach 14 per cent. Of this figure the Urban prevalence of Diabetes is 16.4 per cent, with Rural being estimated at 8.7 per cent, with females being the worst affected at 10.9 per cent and males at 9.8 per cent.  It is also interesting to note that the number of newly diagnosed Diabetics is notably in the younger age group, especially between 20 – 30.”

Professor Chandrasena went on to say that one of the most alarming features of Diabetes is that up to 50 per cent of those affected are unaware that they suffer from this dreaded disease. “Furthermore those affected by Diabetes could expect a reduction in life expectancy of up to 5 – 10 years, while it is well known and documented that Diabetes affects your heart, kidneys, nervous system, as well as the eyes.” At the ‘Serene’ Diabetes Centre, the full gamut of services are available for the early detection and treatment of Diabetes. Annual, three monthly and six monthly Diabetes screening packages which include Neuropathy screening – both autonomic function tests as well as sensory screening, initial diagnostic screening as well as obesity packages for non Diabetics are part of the facilities available, with all packages comprising of an examination by a medical officer.