Experts concerned over rising cases of diabetes in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 14: On World Diabetes Day, an extensive awareness event was organised by GK Labs in collaboration with Moul Mouj Foundation, bringing together experts from various medical fields to discuss the growing challenges of diabetes and related health complications in Kashmir.

In his opening remarks, Dr Shakeel ur Rehman, Secretary General of the Moul Mouj Foundation, expressed gratitude to GK Labs for supporting the event. The gathering aimed to address the growing burden of diabetes and related complications, emphasising the importance of education, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes to prevent the escalation of this widespread health crisis in Kashmir

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Khurshid Iqbal, a leading cardiologist, spoke on the heart complications associated with diabetes, pointing out that diabetics are two to three times more likely to develop cardiovascular issues. He noted that around one-third of diabetics, particularly older adults, are at risk for heart and vascular problems.

Prof Iqbal stressed the importance of a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, along with regular brisk walking—20 to 30 minutes, five times a week—to maintain cardiovascular health. He provided a practical emergency tip for those experiencing chest pain suspected to be a heart attack: take 300 mg of aspirin until reaching a hospital. “India is now the diabetes capital of the world due to our genetic predisposition,” he said, adding that GK Labs and the Moul Mouj Foundation have already made significant progress in bridging gaps by bringing together experts from diverse medical fields.

Dr Siddharth Bindroo, noted diabetologist, discussed the common myths and realities about diabetes, noting the sharp increase in cases over recent decades. “In the 1980s, the Department of Endocrinology had just a handful of diabetes patients. Today, every endocrinology department—public and private—is overwhelmed,” he said. Dr. Bindroo emphasised the necessity of dietary and lifestyle discipline, advising people to limit salt, oil, fat, and sugar intake while reducing simple carbohydrates. “What mobile phones have done to our lifestyles, even tons of meat couldn’t,” he remarked, underscoring the impact of modern sedentary habits.

Eye health was also a focal point for Dr Kinsuk from Sharp Sight, who stressed that good blood sugar control is crucial to preventing eye damage. From Dr Bashir’s Eye Care Center, Dr Yasfir Bashir, ophthalmologist, highlighted the eye complications of diabetes, warning that sudden vision changes or eye discomfort should prompt a blood sugar check. He stressed that treating underlying conditions is crucial to safeguarding vision, with particular attention to progressive diseases like glaucoma.

Ifra Shafi, an audiologist from Crescent Hearing and Speech Centre, discussed the connection between diabetes and hearing loss, recommending regular hearing tests for diabetics and a diabetes check for those with hearing issues. She also highlighted advances in audiology, noting how modern hearing aids can transform lives despite the stigma that still surrounds their use.

Dr Mehroosa, an endocrinologist, outlined the three types of diabetes—Type I, Type II, and gestational diabetes. She raised concerns over the declining age of diabetes onset, revealing that she recently treated a 12-year-old with Type II diabetes.

Neurologist Dr Shabir Paul discussed how diabetes can lead to neurological complications, including diabetic neuropathy, brain damage, joint issues, and neuropathic ulcers. He emphasised that better management is essential to prevent such severe complications. The risks to kidney health were presented by Dr Zamir, a nephrologist, who pointed out that many pre-diabetics already show signs of kidney strain, such as protein in the urine. He urged people to cut down on salt, warning that Kashmir’s rice-heavy diet and reduced physical activity during winter are problematic for health.

The organisers apprised the gathering about the recent achievements of the Moul Mouj Foundation. Dr Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, detailed the foundation's accomplishments, which included securing multiple government registrations in the last six months and acquiring a new ambulance with support from Help Foundation. He noted that the foundation had attended to over 600 outpatient cases and organised 13 health camps across Kashmir, providing free medication to 42 neglected elderly individuals.