Civic body creates mobile app to help 'Beat Diabetes'

In an attempt to spread awareness on diabetes, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run LTMG Sion Hospital has developed a mobile-based application called 'Beat Diabetes' to guide diabetes patients and the general public. The app, which is available on Google play store for android users, is designed to help a person calculate the risk of developing type II diabetes by entering personal health information.

"It gives an overview of the magnitude of diabetes in India and worldwide. It aids in calculating the risk of developing diabetes mellitus by entering relative personal health information. The app also gives an idea of the available diabetes clinics in Mumbai," said Dr Seema Bansode Gokhe, head of department of community medicine, LTMG Sion Hospital.

Bansode said that in addition to this, the app will be a guide for prevention of diabetes mellitus and will control measures for the same. Doctors say that many people are ignorant of the disease, which can be dangerous to them and can lead to several complications. Diabetes is also one of the most common causes of kidney failure, accounting for nearly 30-40 per cent of the new cases.

"People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing a number of serious health problems. Consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to critical diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth. In addition, people with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing infections," said Bansode.

She informed that maintaining blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol at or close to normal can help delay or prevent complications arising from diabetes. "Diabetics need regular monitoring. The incidence of diabetes is rising at a fast pace. Many patients visit doctors only after complications like retinal problems, renal problems, peripheral arterial diseases, and so on arise. We need an early diagnosis of diabetes," added Bansode.

The BMC hospitals, namely Sion, BYL Nair and KEM, have been running special diabetes wards for over two decades now.