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.