Chandigarh:
On the occasion of the World Diabetes Day, The Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER in collaboration with ADITI (Association of Diabetes(young) in Tricity) and RSSDI (Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India) organized a special awareness programme for the patients living with diabetes in the New OPD Block of PGI, Chandigarh.
Diabetes- A pandemic of unprecedent magnitude: Diabetes, now being identified as a pandemic According to the latest data of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 1 in 10 people in the world is living with diabetes. In India alone there are 77 million people living with diabetes in 2025. This figure is projected to become 134 million by 2045.
Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism in which the human body is unable to regulate the blood glucose level in the body. The glucose which serves as the source of energy is regulated by Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize it efficiently, the glucose level builds up in the blood. Persistent high glucose levels affect vital organs such as heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Diabetes is a result of combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The condition can be effectively managed with regular monitoring, timely and appropriate treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
World Diabetes Day: To remember and honor the contribution of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of Insulin in the management of Diabetes, The World Health Organization observes November 14th every year as world Diabetes Day. The day is dedicated to raise awareness about the disease and to promote prevention, management and access to quality care for the patients suffering from Diabetes. The theme of this year’s Diabetes Day is- DIABETES AND WELL-BEING.
The Department of Endocrinology conducts special awareness drive every year on this occasion. This year, under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay K. Bhadada, Professor & HoD, the Department of Endocrinology conducted an interactive session in the OPD where the doctors from the department discussed the various aspects related to diabetes with the patients in an open forum.
Dr Bhadada, in his opening address highlighted the importance of patient participation in management of this disease. Dr. Linta Thomas talked about the various types of Diabetes, the signs and symptoms and treatment modalities available. In her talk, she stressed upon adherence to timely and right treatment and underscored the need and importance of Insulin therapy. Dr Benjamin discussed the various complications of Diabetes and highlighted the importance of self-care in its management. Dr Sunil Mishra emphasized the role of a healthy lifestyle in slowing the disease progression and educated the audience regarding diabetic diet. Dr Prabhat Rijal told the patients about hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening complication in the patients undergoing treatment of Diabetes.
Diabetic foot ulcer is another frequent and serious complication in diabetes patients which is a result of combination of loss of sensation and poor wound healing commonly seen in the patients with long history of Diabetes with poor glycemic control. Dr Varun discussed the causes and consequences of foot ulcers in diabetics and underscored the importance of foot care. Dr Soham Mukherjee explained the measures to prevent injuries to foot and importance of regular self-inspection in preventing Diabetic foot ulcers. Nursing officer Mrs Sabpreet Kaur taught patients correct techniques for taking insulin injection and highlighted the importance of site rotation i.e. changing the injection sites in the patients who are regularly taking insulin injection.
The talk session was followed by interaction with patients where doctors took questions and resolved their doubts regarding the disease and its treatment. The participation of patients was positive and encouraging. Dr Sanjay K. Bhadada and the organizing team thanked the audience for their constructive participation in the event. The event was coordinated by Dr. Soham Mukherjee .
