India Has 65 Million Diabetics, but Not Enough Trained Doctors to Deal With It

Diabetes is a diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels. It is a metabolic disorder that results from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin. Apollo Hospital's senior endocrinologist Dr. S.K. Wangnoo said, "India has around 65 million diabetic patients, the number being second only to China." Dr. Wangnoo said, "The main reasons for the rise in the number of diabetic patients are lifestyle changes like lack of exercise and poor dietary habits. Creating awareness will be the key factor in treating and preventing diabetes. India does not have enough trained doctors to deal with the disease."

A diabetes awareness campaign was organized in partnership with Hope and Helping Hands Society and Noida Running Group. It was held on Sunday between 6 am and 11 am at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Around 1,500 people, including doctors, participated in a marathon that included walk for diabetes awareness and Half Marathon, 11 km and 6 km.

Sharing the experience, Dr. Rekha Khandelwal said, "Being a diabetes patient, I realize the importance of early detection and management. Regular exercise keeps me going and my diabetes under control. This run was a great event to raise awareness about diabetes."

Dr. Ila Jain said, "A pathologist's job is to diagnose patients suffering from the disease. Rarely do we get a chance to spread awareness. This event helped me reach out to people and educate them about diabetes."

Source-IANS