Ministry of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda, in collaboration with WHO Country Office has launched mDiabetes to provide information for the prevention and care of Diabetes
India is home to over 60 million adults with Diabetes (7.8 per cent of the population), of which more than 30 million are undiagnosed or untreated, thus increasing the risk of developing complications and premature mortality. Indians have significantly high rates of Diabetes when compared to other ethnic groups like Europeans, Africans and the like.
This is attributed to high genetic susceptibility and rapid change in lifestyle. Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of Diabetes in India is as high as 12 to 18 per cent of the adult population especially in urban areas. Diabetes occurs at a younger age in India and women seem to have higher prevalence in certain population due to increased obesity.
Given the challenges in early detection and management of diabetes, it is imperative to seek innovative ways that help to expand the reach of health literacy and services among the population. Delivery of healthcare services through mobile phones has increased worldwide over the past two decades. Thus, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the WHO Country Office for India and other partners, has launched mDiabetes, a mobile health initiative for the prevention & care of diabetes.
The mDiabetes will contribute to improving awareness about Diabetes and promoting healthy diets and active lifestyle, which are vital to the prevention of Diabetes. It will also enhance health care seeking and early diagnosis, contribute to better adherence to drug or dietary control, self-care, as well as prevention of complications among patients with diabetes. It is based on proven algorithms for Diabetes prevention and care, and builds on international experiences in using mobile technologies to deliver these interventions.
Symptoms
The common symptoms are excessive thirst, excessive hunger and frequent urination. The person may also feel weak and exhausted. These symptoms are associated with severe Diabetes. Often many people don’t have these characteristic symptoms even when the blood sugar levels are in the Diabetic range. Many have vague symptoms and complain of body pain and lassitude. Hence, it is difficult to detect diabetes by means of typical symptoms alone.
Cure
Diabetes can’t be cured. It can only be controlled. In certain cases of Type 2 Diabetics who are obese, weight reduction can achieve a normal state without use of drugs.
Post diabetes care
A person with Diabetes can lead a normal life. it is a lifestyle disorder either due to defective action or deficiency of insulin. When the blood sugar is kept under control, a Diabetic can have a healthy, normal life.
For more information, log on to http://mdiabetes.nhp.gov.in/ @NHPINDIA, Facebook.com/NHPINDIA, Instagram: @nhp_India