Pan-India diabetic policy imperative: Experts

An effective pan-India diabetic policy is imperative to address the growing burden of diabetes in the country, experts at the 7th World Congress of Diabetes said here on Friday.

"Effective policy actions as early as possible is an urgent need to address the growing burden of diabetes in our country," Banshi Saboo, Diabetes India Chairman said in a statement.

"The government has made pioneering efforts towards diabetes care in India ... However, there is need for further strengthening of the programmes and implementation in all states and union territories," added Ashok Kumar Das, Professor at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences.

The four-day Diabetes India 2017 conference, that began on Thursday, has brought together stakeholders from diverse fields to endorse the philosophy of the Berlin Declaration.

It also urged the policy makers to take early action across four primary areas -- prevention, detection, control and access for the right intervention to prevent the growing menace of the disease.

The Berlin Declaration -- signed by India in December 2016 -- is a manifesto establishing foundational principles as well as specific targets and policy recommendations to help countries formulate and implement policies to improve health outcomes for people living with, or at risk of diabetes.

More than 3,000 doctors and eminent national and international faculties are taking part in the conference that would continue till February 26.

There are more than 69.1 million people in India affected with Type 2 diabetes alone.

Poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, amputation and premature death.

It is estimated that 1 million deaths per year in India are attributable to the Type 2 diabetes.

--IANS

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