Dimapur, Nov. 15 (EMN): The administrations and medical authorities of Phek and Wokha district observed World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14 with separate programmes in their respective district headquarters. The organisers issued separate press releases on Thursday informing about the events.
In Phek, the medical establishment marked the event on Nov. 14 in the CMO’s conference hall in Phek town. The programme had officers of various government departments in attendance.
A medicine specialist at Phek district hospital Dr. Ngopelo Keviechu spoke on the topic, ‘family and diabetes,’ updates from the Phek establishment stated. The official said this year’s theme aims to highlight the impact diabetes has on families, and the role family members can play in supporting prevention. The official also talked about early diagnosis and management of diabetes. Diabetes is a major cause of premature dying, blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation.
Further, Keviechu spoke about the importance of diet to manage diabetes, and regular medication etc. He stressed on the importance of four D’s for healthy living and prevention of further complications: Diet, diabetic diet, daily physical activity, and drugs. A program officer, Dr. Lanuakum, and an epidemiologist Dr. Limatoshi also spoke on the importance of proper diet and exercises. They talked about strategies for prevention and control of diabetes too, the updates stated. Other topics they talked about included complications and risk factors concerning diabetes.
Free screening for blood sugar, and blood pressure; and counselling session were some of the other events at the programme. Information materials about non-communicable Diseases were distributed too.
Wokha
The administration and health division of Wokha district also observed World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14. A programme marking the event was conducted in the DC’s conference hall, a press release on Thursday stated.
The district’s subdivision officer (civil) Lanusenla Longkumer exhorted the participants to adopt healthy lifestyles such as having proper diet, and exercising regularly. The officer encouraged the participants to go for regular blood sugar check up too, the updates stated. Longkumer appreciated the medical division for organizing the programme to spread publicity about the benefits of staying healthy, and of staying safe from diabetes. She said that the disease was a silent killer.
A medical officer at the district hospital, Dr. Moathung Odyuo delivered the keynote address of the event. He said that every six seconds a person dies of diabetes and that the disease was ‘one of the fastest growing diseases.’
‘People die not because of diabetes but through complications as diabetes damages the vital organs of the human body. Ultimately, diabetic patient succumbs to multiple organ failure,’ the updates stated. He spoke about two types of diabetes. Type-1 is one in which the body cannot produce enough insulin, and Type-2 which is caused by ineffective use of body insulin.
‘By year 2025 India will be known as the diabetic capital of the world as people are reluctant to go for blood sugar tests regularly,’ the updates stated. He said that 80% of those developing diabetes can be prevented by healthy living, regular exercise, control of food habits; and avoiding stress, the updates stated.
A screening camp was conducted as part of the programme. 80 persons were screened for blood sugar, the press release added.
