On the occasion of World Diabetes Day on 14 November, the World NCD Federation have given a Call to National and State Government; to improve Access to Diabetes Care in India”. Overall diabetes control rates in India vary from 10-15% which is very low.
The state-wide NCD Risk Factor Surveys carried out in Punjab and Haryana by Prof JS Thakur and the team from PGI during 2014-17 revealed a high prevalence of diabetes at 14.3% and 15.5% respectively.
An interesting fact highlighted during the studies was the extent of awareness, treatment, and control of cases of diabetes in both states. In Haryana 77.6 % diabetic patients remain untreated, while in Punjab 71.7 % are untreated for diabetes. 34.2% of diabetics were aware of their condition, 28.2% were on treatment while only 14.2% of the cases were controlled. The awareness and control rates in Haryana were similar to that in Punjab.; 29.5% of the respondents were aware of their condition, 22.4% were on treatment while only 13.8% of the cases of diabetes were controlled.
A person with diabetes can live a quality life by incorporating regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet with the low levels of refined carbohydrates and low fat and adequate protein and fiber, says Prof JS Thakur, President World NCD Federation. Another key to live a quality life is to avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
A person with diabetes will be able to maintain blood sugar by adherence to medication regimen, which is crucial to prevent diabetic complications, says Prof Sanjay Bhadada, Joint Secretary World NCD Federation and Professor and Head, Department of Endocrinology, PGI.
WNF gives strong emphasis on health promotion and access to treatment for disease control. It has come up with guidelines for prevention, surveillance and treatment of diabetes for general practitioners in primary and secondary health care settings which are now being implemented in Chandigarh in collaboration with the Health Department, Chandigarh Administration.
These guidelines put special focus on the management of diabetes by adopting lifestyle changes. Recently it has launched Global Health and Wellness initiative with the theme “Play, Laugh and Grow” with Indian version as “Khelo, Hasso aur Hassao, Vadho aur Vadhao, India” by Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission, MOHFW, GOI on 2nd March, 2021 which aims at achieving control of NCDs including diabetes through implementing Health Promotion and access to treatment in different settings.