A new programme to control diabetes, supported by the World Diabetes Foundation, was launched recently by the A. Ramachandran's Diabetes Hospital jointly with the Department of School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, Mohammed Jan inaugurated the Diabetes Reach programme of the Hospital.

The programme is aimed at diabetes prevention through 1,000 teachers educating 1 lakh school children. In turn, the school children will create awareness of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases to 1 lakh families or over 3 lakh people.

The launch was a first-of-its-kind awareness campaign in Chennai by A. Ramachandran's Diabetes Hospital on the eve of World Diabetes Day. The campaign engaged all key target groups like teachers, school and college students, home makers, staff of hotels, police officials, etc, through a range of programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, A. Ramachandran said, “Diabetes is a major health issue in our country. One of the important barriers in handling this issue is the change in behaviour of the people and awareness on the importance of lifestyle modification. With research showing an increasing trend of Type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents, it is our endeavour to help strengthen awareness on diabetes management.”

Type-2 Diabetes has become a serious health threat with exploding population and changing lifestyle. The prevalence of Type-2 diabetes has achieved an endemic proportion. The prevalence among adults is expected to rise from 285 million in 2010 to 438 million by the year 2030.

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