‘Walk for Diabetes will highlight seriousness of the epidemic’

Sushil Seth, chief executive officer of Chellaram Diabetes Institute (CDI), a unit of Chellaram Foundation, is based in Pune. CDI with advanced clinical care, education, awareness, medical, diagnostic and research facilities is geared to create an impact on the alarming diabetes scenario by providing unique and state-of-the-art services under one roof. Seth, a qualified engineer from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, has been with the Chellaram Group since 1981.  He is also the editor of Diabetes Health, a bi-monthly magazine published by the foundation. He shared his thoughts with DNA.
 
What is World Diabetes Day
all about?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated around the world on November 14 to mark the birth anniversary of Frederick Banting for his contribution to the discovery of insulin, which got him the Nobel Prize in 1923. On this day, around the world, people come together to spread awareness about diabetes.
It is a much more serious disease than most people realise. Diabetes is a chronic disease and leads to many complications including cataract, gangrene of the feet, blindness, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and many more. The number of people affected by diabetes is also appalling. Besides the obvious medical problems associated with the disease, there are social issues as well that people with diabetes have to deal with.

How bad is the diabetes
scenario in India?
In 2010, the number of diabetics in India alone had crossed 50 million, giving it the dubious distinction of being the diabetes capital of the world.
To make matters worse, many people do not realise that they are diabetic until it is too late. This is due to lack of awareness and activities such as Walk for Diabetes by CDI are aimed at awakening people to the seriousness of the epidemic.

How does Walk for Diabetes help?
Walk for Diabetes is an initiative by CDI to create awareness and encourage dialogue on diabetes. Staying fit and active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle; that ways the significance of this walk is largely symbolic. Any doctor will tell you that walking for 30 minutes every day is good for those who have diabetes.  A lot of people don’t even know that they are at a high risk for diabetes or may even be suffering from it already.

What is your advice for people suffering from diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease which cannot be cured, but can be managed. If you keep your blood glucose level within a healthy range, it helps in avoiding complications and live a normal life.Hence, it is important to eat right, stay active, exercise daily and take your medication without fail. A little effort towards improving your lifestyle can go a long way to avoid pain and suffering later in life.