Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Nov 14: Every year, November 14 is celebrated worldwide as Diabetes Day. Department of endocrinology of Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal on Sunday November 14 observed the occasion by organizing Cyclothon from Kasturba Hospital Manipal to Ajjarkad stadium.
"Access to diabetes care: If not now, when?" is the theme for World Diabetes Day this year.
Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE Manipal flagged off to the Cyclothon in front of the OPD at Kasturba Hospital Manipal and culminated at Ajjarkad stadium via Syndicate Circle, City Bus stand, Bannanje, Karavali Circle, Ambalapadi, Brahmagiri. Zumba sessions were also organized at the stadium for the participants. More than 500 people participated in the Cyclothon.
The event culminated with a valedictory function held at Ajjarkad stadium. Dr H S Ballal, MAHE Manipal was the chief guest, while Dr P L N G Rao, pro vice-chancellor, MAHE Manipal, Dr Arun Maiya, dean, Manipal College of Health Profession, Manipal, and Dr Roshan Shetty, assistant director, youth empowerment and sports were the guests of honour. Dr Sharath K Rao, dean, KMC, C G Muthana, chief operating officer, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, and Dr Sahana Shetty, professor and head, department of endocrinology were present.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ballal said, "Diabetes and high blood pressure are silent killers. Laypeople do not understand the severity of the disease. As much as 50% of diabetic patients are not diagnosed in the early stage, and therefore it affects other parts of the body too. It is important to diagnose diabetes in the early stage, especially in rural areas."
Dr P L N G Rao said, "The main purpose of this event is to raise awareness among people. This is important to prevent oneself from developing a lifestyle disease, I congratulate the team on organizing such a wonderful awareness programme."
Dr Arun Maiya announced free foot screening for diabetic patients from November 15 to 19. "Foot screening is also very important for diabetic patients. At Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, there is a special unit that caters to an early screening of diabetic foot, assessment, and management. This year, Centre for Diabetic Foot Care and Research will be offering free foot screening for people with diabetes mellitus from November 15 to 19," he said.
Dr Roshan Shetty remarked that a lot of people come to Ajjarkad stadium to play different sports and engage in physical activities. "Most of them are aged 40 years and above. But diabetes and cardiac diseases are now found in very young people too. This is because children and young people lack physical activity. Therefore, children and young people should get involved in physical activities whenever there is time."
Dr Sahana Shetty gave an overview of the programme and Dr Avinash Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.