Report On World Diabetes Day Observation - 2016 Theme: Eyes on Diabetes

During the inaugural event, Chief guest Dr. Gopalakrishna Prabhu, Director of MIT Manipal highlighted the importance of screening at the door step which is hassle free for people. People in general neglect health check or screening. Routine screening for complications of diabetes plays a vital role in preventing complications. Technology that are non-invasive will help eliminate fear from people and appreciate large number of our fellowmen to attend screening camps and maintain health. Dr. Anice George, Dean Manipal College of Nursing Manipal emphasized on taking self responsibility towards health maintenance. At least a day in a year to be spent on health checks so that we remain healthy and be free from diabetes which is one of the most common disorder that our country people are facing through.  

Maintaining diet and exercise plays a pivotal role in keeping our body fit and stay away from abnormal chemical changes in our body. An interactive session was addressed by Dr. Sulatha V Bhandary, Associate Professor, Ophthalmology dept. KMC Manipal. Faculty, security men, MIS employees as well as clerical staff of MIT took part in the program. Pathological changes in the eye due to diabetes were well described and relevant management for the same were addressed. The audience raised their doubts for which myths and expectations were explained clearly as media has lots of influence on novel ideas of Diabetes Mellitus cure and care. 

Screening began at 7.30 am in the morning. A total of 116 participants (9 known diabetics and others were non diabetics) took part in the screening program. Weight, height, BMI, random sugar, fasting and post prandial were checked with health teaching for people diagnosed already or for those at borderline for healthy life style and regular follow up.  

Participants either with diabetes or diagnosed for the first time were screened for retinal changes and foot screening was carried out by the Diabetes screening team of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) project Kasturba Hospital Manipal. Students and faculty displayed their posters on the theme and best posters were awarded.