Bhubaneswar, Nov 17: Now-a-days Diabetes has become a silent killer. Even after diagnosed with diabetes people often neglect it as if nothing happened. Simple measures like restricting food intakes, taking less carbohydrates, reducing stress and regular exercise are enough to fight with Diabetes.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar has improved access to diabetes care with dedicated Endocrinology Unit for treatment. Even if someone suspect of having diabetes then they can check themselves at the NCD clinic set up at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said Director Dr. Gitanjali Batmanabane while speaking on the occasion of a walkathon organised today. The walkathon held today morning on the theme ‘Access to diabetes care’ witnessed huge participation of Doctors, Medical & Nursing Students as well as NSS Volunteers of the institution. Dr. Gitanjali inaugurated the walkathon which started from the Biju Pattnaik Police Training Academy gate and concluded at the AIIMS Campus. Encouraging all the participants including Dr. Gitanjali also joined the walkathon and walked alongside the students and faculty members.

Speaking on the occasion, Head of Endocrinology Department at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr. Kishore Behera reiterated the commitment of AIIMS Bhubaneswar to make people aware about access to Diabetes care. AIIMS Bhubaneswar Dean Dr. Debashis Hota along with other faculty members, staff and student volunteers participated in the walkathon. It may be noted that, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has been organising series of programs to mark World Diabetes Day since last 5 years. This year, it started from 14th November with seminars, competition and various public awareness programmes.

In the year 1921, Dr. Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best developed insulin. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and the need to control it in its early stages, with the theme for World Diabetes Day 2021 “Access to Diabetes Care if not now when.” In India, approximately 77 million people have been affected by diabetes, as per the data released by the Diabetes Atlas Committee (IDF).