‘Sedentary lifestyle, obesity fuel diabetes surge in Kashmir’

Srinagar, Nov 14: With a notable surge in diabetes cases, doctors at the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar sounded the alarm, attributing the rise in diabetes cases to sedentary lifestyles and escalating obesity rates in Kashmir.

The urgency to address this burgeoning epidemic took centre stage at an event ‘Empowering Health: Triumphs of World Diabetes Day 2023 at GMC, Srinagar’ held by GMC Srinagar to commemorate World Diabetes Day.

The celebration of World Diabetes Day at GMC Srinagar showcased a remarkable collective effort to address diabetes challenges, echoing the theme ‘Know your risk, know your response’, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in the face of the diabetes epidemic.

Distinguished endocrinologist, Dr Muhammad Hayat Bhat delivered an introductory speech, shedding light on the critical work done by the Department of Endocrinology at GMC Srinagar.
Dr Bhat emphasised the pressing need to tackle the escalating diabetes cases in Kashmir, advocating the ABCDEF approach.

“This comprehensive strategy involves controlling hypertension, engaging in proper exercise, adopting a balanced diet, and managing cholesterol levels,” he said. “Across India, diabetes affects 11 percent of the population, and Kashmir mirrors this statistic with an alarming 11 percent diabetic rate. The number of detected cases is on the rise.”

Dr Bhat said that in the battle against diabetes, knowledge is the first line of defence.

“Recognising that overweight, obesity, family history, hypertension, lack of exercise, and high cholesterol are the adversaries, empowers us to confront the statistics head-on. With 11 crore diabetic, 15 crores pre-diabetic, 30 percent people facing hypertension, and 25 percent grappling with obesity across India, the arsenal for victory lies in lifestyle modification, exercise, and unwavering commitment to preventive measures—shielding our health from the relentless onslaught of obesity and diabetes,” he said.

World Diabetes Day 2023 served as a platform to focus on this widespread epidemic, encouraging individuals to understand their risks and responses.

The doctors at the event highlighted the global scale of the diabetes battle, revealing that one in 10 individuals worldwide grapples with diabetes, with over 90 percent facing the challenges of Type-2 diabetes.

Shockingly, half of these cases remain undiagnosed, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures.

Principal of GMC, Prof Masood Tanvir, provided valuable insights into the current scenario of diabetes in India, setting the stage for lectures by faculty members on understanding diabetes.

The event also featured a quiz programme, testing the knowledge of medical students, and a poster competition aimed at raising awareness.

As the diabetes epidemic tightens its grip on Kashmir, the collective call is for lifestyle modifications, regular exercise, and proactive preventive measures.

The event at GMC Srinagar serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a healthier, diabetes-resistant Kashmir.

The event, attended by Principal and Dean GMC Srinagar Prof Masood Tanvir, Prof Ruksana Najeeb, HOD Endocrinology Dr Muhammad Hayat Bhat and other departmental professors alongside MBBS students and staff, served as an educational platform for comprehensive discussions.

The event’s success was further evident in the comprehensive educational sessions by Dr Shoaib Muhammad on hypoglycemia management, Dr Salem Baba on glucose monitoring, Dr Abid Hussain on carbohydrate counting, and Dr Puran Sharma on glucometer usage.

A patient, Muneesa Jan’s insights into Type-1 diabetes challenges in school environments added a crucial dimension.

Dr Khurshid Bhat’s illumination of India’s current diabetes scenario provided context.

The active participation of around 100 patients and 250 medical students underscored the programme’s impact, a quiz contest under Dr Shahnawaz Mir and a poster competition added an engaging dimension.

Shahid was the 1st prize, Inam-ul-Haq 2nd prize and Sharik Wani 3rd prize for quiz, and Devarjun Pannu won the 1st prize for outstanding performances in poster competition.

Dr Muhammad Ejaz Alam, Dr Basharat Dar, and Abida Lone were instrumental in making the World Diabetes Day 2023 at GMC Srinagar a resounding success and set a commendable example for future initiatives in diabetes awareness and care.