World diabetes day and Kashmir

Like all other parts of the globe, world diabetes day was celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir too on Wednesday, last. Different awareness programmes, seminars and functions were organized on the day by the health departments, SKIMS and other related institutions in the valley. But most of these functions were held in the capital Srinagar only where people in large numbers participated. But the way the deadly disease is catching up the people across the state, the campaign should have been more broad-based, comprehensive and more-focused, particularly in rural areas. Though no proper survey has been conducted to find out the magnitude of the dangerous disease, medicos believe that almost eight percent of the population is presently suffering from diabetes while 24% others lie in the risk zone vulnerable to falling prey to the deadly disease. The most disturbing fact is that youngsters are more prone to diabetes. Diabetes is worldwide disease. While type 1diabetes cannot be prevented, the type 2 variant is indeed preventable if the right lifestyle options are adopted. Diabetes, known as a ‘lifestyle disease’, is spreading its tentacles dangerously across Jammu and Kashmir. The lives of thousands of people have already got seriously affected by this disease. If greater efforts are not undertaken to control the ailment, we may have to confront another health epidemic. Doctors and health experts have warned of the outbreak of this pandemic disease if not confronted well in time.

Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food choices and lack of physical activity have all contributed to an increase in diabetes cases. The same factors are at work in Kashmir and national health authorities need to consider ways and means to prevent the spread of the ailment here. What is worse here that more than 50% diabetic patients are not aware that they are suffering from diabetes? They come to know about the disease only when other organs of their boy get affected by the disease. Women and children are more prone to this disease. There is need to sensitize the women also because the disease could easily transfer to the child. Though, at present, there is no direct cure for diabetes, the thrust should be on stabilizing blood sugar levels. For this there is need for a comprehensive awareness campaign to aware people so that they can take care of themselves. Diabetes is a non-communicable disease, the state needs to launch awareness campaigns to identify the risk factors that can lead to the ailment. Experts note a healthy lifestyle is essential in preventing diabetes; healthy eating and physical activity are particularly highlighted. Experts have also called for regular screening of blood sugar levels to check for any signs of trouble. With a lazy lifestyle and traditional dietary habits, it is essential to immediately start addressing the dangers posed by diabetes and other ailments linked to unhealthy lifestyles. If we look at the size of food in Kashmir including wazwaan, we have the habit of taking heavy and high caloric diets with zero physical activity. We use a lot of cooking oil and we take a lot of carbohydrates like wheat products, rice and then we do not adhere to an active lifestyle. Besides we have been using machines for farming, cars to travel, TV to entertain ourselves replacing old traditional methods of compulsory exercise. The habit of exercise (a way to burn calories), is very less as the culture has not developed here yet. Add processed foods to it, it is sure lead to diabetes in children. Rather than wait for a full-blown epidemic, it would be wise for the state and health practitioners to help spread awareness about the benefits of eating healthier and staying fit amongst all age groups, especially youngsters drawn to junk food.

The state health department and primary institutions of medical health should take all these things into consideration and launch a massive awareness campaign all through the year to tackle this deadly disease.