Diabetes is becoming a major public health concern in Kashmir, with an estimated prevalence of 10%, higher than the national average of 8%. This alarming trend is compounded by the fact that half of the people affected by the disease are unaware they have it.
Dr. Nazir Pala, a leading endocrinologist in Kashmir, expressed deep concern over the growing diabetes epidemic and the lack of awareness among the population. He emphasized that many people with diabetes are unaware of the symptoms and only come to know about it when they develop complications such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure.
To address this issue, Dr. Pala urged people to get screened for diabetes regularly, especially if they have a family history of the disease or if they are overweight or obese. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly prevent complications and improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken steps to raise awareness about diabetes and provide treatment for those affected. However, more efforts are needed to combat the growing epidemic. Here are some suggestions for effectively addressing the diabetes crisis in Kashmir:
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Increase public awareness about the disease: Implement comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate people about diabetes, its symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures.
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Provide free or low-cost screening for diabetes: Make diabetes screening readily accessible and affordable to encourage regular checkups among the population.
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Make treatment for diabetes more affordable: Ensure that diabetes treatment, including medication and insulin, is financially accessible to all those who need it.
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Educate people about healthy lifestyle choices: Promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
By implementing these strategies, we can effectively prevent diabetes from becoming a major public health crisis in Kashmir and promote the well-being of the community.
