Imphal, September 03: Presenting a grim picture on the prevalence of the killer disease diabetes, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences director Prof M Fimate has called for an extensive campaign to create awareness on the same line as the global battle against HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Speaking as chief guest during the inaugural programme of the two day �Continuing Medical Education (CME) on diabetes in the Young� organised by Medical Department (RIMS) at the jubilee Hall today, prof Fimate said prevalence of diabetes among the people has stealthily assumed epidemic proportion for which every global society and individual need to contribute their mite in creating mass awareness before the disease threatens the very existence of mankind.

Observing that time has come for concerted effort in checking further spread of the disease in the same intensity as HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns are being pursued, he said failure to adopt stringent measures may result in one Indian figuring among four persons of the entire world suffering from the disease.

by 2025 India may be faced with the potential of becoming the diabetes capital of the world, the RIMS chief said while attributing static lifestyles, eating habits and gradual decline of physical activities for economic susten- ance as the chief factor contributing to rapid spread of the disease.

Besides being a dangerous ailment to deal with diabetes itself is a source for incubation/germination of other serious diseases, he warned.

Informing on discovery of diabetes type-I infecting children some years back and recent detection of type-II symptom of the same disease, prof Fimate said study pointing to 15.45 percent of the country�s children population getting infected with diabetes is a cause of great concern.

Applauding the programme organisers for taking initiatives in highlighting the disease and stress on imbibing awareness among the masses Fimate also desired that other RIMS department organise similar programme in their respective field for which he pledged financial assistance.

Presenting the presidential address, organising committee chairman Prof Kh Premkanta divulged on diabetes scenario in the Asian region wherein he said children in the age group of 5-18 are found to have been infected with type-II of the killer disease.

Comparing prevalence of the disease in relation to economic status of countries, he said children from birth till 30 years in developed country like Great Britain is a rarity due to timely vaccination.

Pointing out obesity and high blood pressure as tell tale sign of diabetes with distinct possibility of cardiac arrest as main cause of death, Prof Premkanta also emphasised on paediatricians making further studies in the wake of diabetes endangering children�s life.

Giving a detailed account on diabetes, its cause and need to take precautionary measures, subject expert Prof Th Biren stressed on frequent CME sessions in creating awareness not only among the masses but more importantly requirement of medical personnel share and acquire latest vaccination and treatment procedures.

Around 1977s there were hardly 5/6 patients reporting with such cases in diabetes clinic established at RIMS but the figure has escalated to 150-160 on daily basis in the present juncture, he said.

In his brief statement, RIMS Superintendent Prof S Arunkumar suggested people make regular exercise/physical activities a habit, maximum attempt on freedom from anxiety and resist high calorie intake to be free from diabetes.

Comment