SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov 10: In the wake of rising diabetes cases and its changing traditional treatment method, the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) is going to launch a special campaign for awareness among school students across Jharkhand from November 14 which happens to be the World Diabetes Day.
RSSDI Jharkhand chapter chairman and recently elected executive member of the national body Dr NK Singh today said that following the disclosure of research reports, a sea of change has taken place in the diabetes treatment field.
“On the directive of the International Diabetic Federation (IFD), the Jharkhand chapter of RSSDI will hold awareness campaigns in schools across the state, especially for students of class 10th and 12th, during prayer time in the institutions when all students remain present,” said Dr Singh, who is director of Dhanbad Action Group (DAG) which has recently surveyed diabetes ratio across the state with a focus in Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad.
The RSSDI chairman further said that as per IDF directive, the focus would be on two points during the awareness campaign among students. First, on the priority of food selection and second on increasing physical activities. Both will help the children to keep the disease away.
As per a survey report, 15 to 18% of people in urban areas and 7 to 12% of villagers in rural regions are affected by diabetes. Dr Singh said during Covid, diabetes cases did not rise so much.
He said that late-night meals and waking till midnight are emerging as the major factors of diabetes. “District RSSDI members have been directed to study the new cases and aware people, especially the student class, to concentrate on the food selection and physical activities,” he added.
The RSSDI chairman further said that following research, the treatment of diabetes has witnessed a sea of change. Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin have replaced traditional medicines such as metformin, sulphonylureas, pioglitazone and others. The new medicines are cheap and affordable for poor people and are advised to be administered.
DAG director Dr Leena Singh on the occasion urged the social organizations to join the awareness campaign on diabetes in the state.
