Kathmandu, November 14:

The World Diabetes Day was observed today, stressing the need to raise awareness on diabetes and minimise its effect on children and adolescents. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Diabetes in Children and Adolescence.’

At a programme organised by the Norvic International Hospital, senior consultant Dr MK Malla highlighted the need to make people aware of the disease. He called on all concerned to enlighten people as to the causes of diabetes, preventive measures and treatment.

The hospital felicitated BL Sharma, a Rotarian and one of the oldest diabetic, who has been leading an active life even at the age of 85.

Sharma dwelt on ways to overcome and control diabetes. “People need to know that there are ways to take care of the disease,” he said.

CA member Bharat Mohan Adhikary inaugurated a fully-computerised Pathology Lab on the hospital premises. The lab is equipped with fully automatic bio-chemistry analyser-Vitros 250 and Sysmex Hematology analyser. Instant Meal Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of the Chaudhary Group, launched a special Diabetic Atta (Wheat flour) containing fibres. The product is meant for diabetic patients.

Meanwhile, Nepal Diabetes Thyroid and Endocrinology Centre organised a free health camp and provided information about the disease. Doctors attended to 205 patients. The Tilganga Eye Centre also launched an awareness campaign on the disease and its impact on human health. Thirty-five diabetics underwent free eye check-up.

In its bid to raise awareness on the disease, Alka Hospital organised a rally from Mangalbazaar, Lalitpur. The rally passed through Lagankhel, Manbhawan and Jawalakhel. More than 500 people took part in the procession.

The Nepal Diabetes Society also organised a function in the capital to mark the day and raise awareness on the disease. Experts and patients shared their experiences abut the disease and ways to prevent it.