‘2 out of every 10 persons in Barak Valley are diabetic’

Diabetes has become a common phenomenon in almost every Indian household and in order to create awareness on the disease, a rally was carried out in Silchar town early this Wednesday morning on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.

The “Walk for Diabetes” rally was organised by the Southern Assam Diabetes Forum and the IMA Cachar branch.

The number of diabetes patients in Barak valley has seen a steady rise over the years with over 20 per cent of the population being affected with the disease as per statistics. This means that 2 out of every 10 persons in the valley are diabetic. The forum, along with several diabetic specialists in the district, has expressed deep concern over this rising trend in Diabetic cases.

Apart from the two organisations, heart care specialists and members of the Rotary club too participated in the rally. Soon after the rally, a Diabetes awareness programme was organised at the S.M. Dev Civil Hospital which was presided over by Dr. Satish Sutradhar who is the general secretary of the Diabetes Forum.

In his address, Dr. Sutradhar said, “There was a time when people used to be more physically fit and active but with the advancements in technology, we have become significantly lazy. Also, our desk jobs have made our life more stressful and monotonous. This takes a heavy toll on our overall health and makes a person more prone to this disease.” He also added that such changing lifestyles have made humans more vulnerable to heart related ailments and stressed upon the importance of exercise and an active lifestyle.

Another diabetician and co-secretary Dr. Shahnawaz Mazumder said there is no 100 per cent cure of the disease and urged the patients to do regular check-ups and follow a healthy diet every day. He also asserted upon the role of family members in tackling the menacing disease.

Meanwhile, diabetic patients from all over the valley were provided with free blood sugar tests and health check-ups in the hospital compound on the occasion.