Sedentary lifestyle to blame: Doctor

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 14

The Department of Endocrinology of the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) today observed World Diabetes Day by organising awareness a lecture for patients and their attendants, who were present in the hospital OPD.

Dr Parminder Singh, Professor and Head of Endocrinology, said, “Diabetes is one of the major growing diseases in today’s times and people need to be properly aware about the precautions required to lead diabetes-free healthy life. The theme for World Diabetes Day this year is ‘Diabetes: Protect your Family’.

Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical exercise are some of the major causes of diabetes, says Dr Parminder Singh. Dr Parminder Singh said the major symptoms of diabetes included excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination, fatigue and nausea etc. As soon as patient feels any such symptoms, he should immediately consult a qualified doctor and get the required tests done to know about the level of diseases, Dr Parminder further added.

Dr Mandeep Singh, attending consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, also conducted a talk on awareness about diabetes and how it can be treated. He shared experience of a banker from Ludhiana. Dr Mandeep said 37-year-old Kuldeep (name changed) was unaware of his condition and could not understand the reason for his excessive thirst and increased urination. “After check-ups, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Even though his family had no history of the condition, his weight of over 90 kg added to his problem. He was on a strict diet to control his condition and had to maintain a healthy intake of 1,200-1,400 calories on a daily basis coupled with physical exercise. He ran close to 35 km per week. Today, with regular exercise and diet routine, Kuldeep has fought the disease and is off medications for diabetes. As an end result, he has not only taken control of his sugar levels, but has also lost 20 kg. An early diagnosis, a change in his erratic lifestyle and healthy eating helped this young professional regain control on his life,” he further added.

Dr Surinder Gupta, Managing Director of Diabetes Free World, an NGO, organised a conference on ‘Anti-diabetes awareness knowledge’. Dr Surinder Gupta, Dr Parminder Singh, Dr Karanveer Goyal, Dr Kulwant Singh, Dr Bimal Kanish, among others were present.