Bhubaneswar, Nov. 15: Experts emphasized the need for integrated care, a supportive work environment, and comprehensive health policies to effectively combat diabetes during a program held to mark World Diabetes Day at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital.
Prof. (Dr.) Anoj Kumar Baliarsinha, former Head of the Department of Endocrinology at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, highlighted the growing concern of Type 2 diabetes affecting even school children, many of whom are obese. He stressed the importance of early intervention, stating, "Treating diabetic individuals alone will not help; early intervention is crucial in this battle."
With global diabetes cases reaching 589 million, India accounts for 107 million patients, Prof. Baliarsinha added. He pointed out that the incidence of diabetes in India is approximately 10.2% in urban areas and 7% in rural areas. In comparison, Pakistan has the highest prevalence, at 37%. However, he cautioned that the known incidence only reflects a small fraction of the actual cases.
The program included a walkathon to raise awareness about diabetes, with contributions from various experts such as Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent, and other prominent figures from the hospital's medical team.
November 14 marks World Diabetes Day in honor of Sir Frederick Banting, who won the Nobel Prize for discovering insulin, a breakthrough that revolutionized diabetes treatment.
Prof. Baliarsinha also emphasized the need for doctors to be more thorough in their patient examinations. "In only 10% of clinics, the feet of diabetic patients are examined, which could reveal crucial manifestations of the disease," he said.
Prof. Mishra called for a holistic approach to tackling diabetes, highlighting the growing issue of adolescent diabetes. She also noted that the National Medical Commission is focusing on preventive and promotive healthcare.
Prof. Samantasinghar and Prof. Lalit Meher further stressed the need for greater awareness at all levels, particularly as diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and eye damage. Despite efforts to address the issue, Prof. Meher acknowledged that progress has been slow.
Prof. Jayabhanu Kanwar pointed out that prevention remains the key to tackling diabetes, and a supportive work environment is crucial. "Diabetic individuals often face discrimination, which leads many to hide their condition," he said.
Prof. Samir Sahu concluded by reflecting on the history of diabetes treatment, noting that before the discovery of insulin, patients were subjected to extreme measures, including starvation, with only 150 calories of food allowed per day.
The experts collectively called for greater collaboration, awareness, and supportive measures to fight the growing diabetes epidemic and improve the quality of care for those affected.
