Kathmandu, November 14:

The World Diabetes Day was observed today with a slogan “Right Weight, Right Diet Regular Exercise Prevents Diabetes”.

Various programmes were organised to educate people about the disease, which doctors warn is emerging as a global epidemic.

According to a WHO report, diabetes causes about 5 per cent of all deaths globally each year. Diabetes deaths are likely to increase by more than 50 per cent in the next 10 years, while 80 per cent of people with diabetes live in low and middle-income countries.

The common diabetes is incurable, yet one can prevent it from developing into a severe stage that leads to damage of vital organs like heart, kidney, eyes and veins. “Research has shown that only five per cent diabetes cases have been traced back to family history while rapid increases in overweight, obesity and physical inactivity are considered responsible factors for developing diabetes,” said Dr Pradeep Krishna Shrestha, a TU professor.

Presenting a paper on “Prevention of Diabetes and Its Complications” to the media and general public at Norvic-Escorts International Hospital, Dr Shrestha said if one of the parents has diabetes, the chance of passing it on to their children is 40 per cent while the chance is 70 per cent if both the parents are affected by the disease.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or alternatively, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. “It can be considered as a key that opens the door of the cells to allow the flow of sugar or glucose into these cells where energy is produced,” he said.

The raised blood sugar is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

Meanwhile, Norvic will organise free ‘Diabetes Mellitus Camps’ for three consecutive days effective from today. According to RP Mainali, Chief Corporate Communication and PR Officer, 30 patients availed of the free check-up facilities and 90 patients are scheduled for tomorrow’s free camp.

Alka Hospital also organised a rally and a free diabetes check up. Thew Nepal Diabetes Association organised the lighting up of Dharahara to mark the day.