NHM to create awareness on better lifestyle to check diabetes

NHM to create awareness on better lifestyle to check diabetes

Highlighting the need for preventive measures to tackle the "diabetes epidemic sweeping" the country, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has said that better lifestyle, food habits and also Yoga are necessary to control the disease.

Stressing on the mantra that prevention is better than cure, the Minister, in a meeting with officials, announced that National Health Mission will have a special communications arm to spread awareness on better lifestyle and food habits, which are necessary to avoid getting this debilitating condition, according to a statement issued here.

"International experts have warned that a diabetes epidemic is sweeping India...Even teenagers are getting it which is worrisome for the government," Vardhan said.

In the meeting, Vardhan mentioned the good work being done by S-Vyasa University, Bangalore, in treating diabetes with Yoga.

He also mentioned about the Karnataka Institute of Diabetology and the non-government M V Diabetes Hospital in Chennai which are providing low-cost diabetes treatment to thousands of people.

The Minister also underlined the need to combat on a war footing other diseases like Malaria, Filaria, Encephalitis, Chikungunya, Dengue, TB, Measles and Leprosy and said they would be components of NHM's sub-missions for rural and urban areas.

"This will be in line with the overarching prevention is better than cure strategy of the ministry," he said.