‘Diabetes rising at epidemic level’

Diabetes is rising at an epidemic scale in both the state and the country, say experts from Association of Physicians of Ahmedabad - which organized the first Western Regional Diabetes India Update in the city this weekend.

About 500 delegates from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat's medical fraternity attended the regional meet to discuss the disease. Of these experts, 15 are national specialists in diabetes.

Dr. Banshi Saboo, organiser of Regional Diabetes India Update and president of Association of Physicians of Ahmedabad said that due to the alarming rise in incidence of the disease it has to be treated as an epidemic.  

"About 12% of the population in the state is diabetic, while 6% has been diagnosed as having pre-diabetic condition. Above all, additional 15% of the total population has a high risk metabolic syndrome for the disease," Saboo said.

He said that there is an urgent need to address the situation and if it is not done by 2025 controlling incidence of diabetes will be a very tough task.

The association had organised this meet to discuss various issues related to the disease. Four workshops, including one on diet, insulin pumps, anthropometry and retinal examination have also been arranged.

A special session for post-graduates of various medical colleges will be held on August 29 to let them know of the latest advances.

"Diabetes-India is the Indian task force on diabetes care. It is a forum to fight the looming pandemic of diabetes,” said Dr. Urman Dhruv, co-ordinator of this programme.