Bengaluru, November 14, 2017: In a bid to educate and create awareness about diabetes, Blue Messenger and 7 S campaign was unveiled at Manipal Hospitals today. The campaign was flagged off by Ms. Amulya, noted Kannada Cine star in the presence of Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal - Chairman, Manipal Hospitals and Dr Karthik Prabhakar , Consultant & HOD Diabetes & Endocrinology. The theme of the year, ‘Women and Diabetes’ was advocated in the campaign and aimed at spreading awareness on the 7 “S” that women who also help her family members to avoid are Sweet, salt ; intake must be limited, one must fight stress, lead an active life to avoid sedentary lifestyle, fend off stress and complete abstinence from smoking and alcohol. Diabetes is preventable by adopting healthy lifestyle early in life.

Several activities were planned as a part of the campaign. Employees were encouraged to take stairs and avoid junk food. The hospital was lit blue (colour of diabetes) in order to express solidarity for the cause. Blue Test – BMI / BP /RBS /Consultations were provided free of cost.

Speaking on the occasion Ms. Amulya, Noted Kannada Star said, “In recent times, as women are trying to find an equilibrium between their professional lives and household, they tend to ignore their health. This is a great initiative by Manipal Hospitals to make women aware about this life threatening disease. It’s important to take preventive measures to curtail the risk. Eating healthy and regular exercising are key to healthy life and I sincerely hope that women follow this religiously.”

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman Manipal Hospitals said, “It is estimated that the number of diabetes patients in the country is likely to go up to 120 million in next 20 years as against the current 70 million. Good control of diabetes significantly reduces the risk of developing more complications. Though genetic factors cannot be overruled but sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol and intake of junk food are the major culprits of type 2 diabetes. Today we must pledge to lead a healthier life and adopt preventive measures than curative.”

Dr Karthik Prabhakar, Consultant & HOD Diabetes & Endocrinology said, “Generally, women live longer than men because they have a lower risk of heart disease. But when women develop diabetes, their risk for heart disease skyrockets and death by heart failure is more likely for them.”

In parallel, with the increase in diabetes, there seems to be an increasing prevalence of gestational DM (GDM) that is diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. GDM not only influences immediate maternal and neonatal outcomes but also increases the risk of future Type 2 diabetes in mother as well as the baby. The danger is unique because the disease can affect both mothers and their unborn child. Junk and starchy food can spike blood sugar levels and cause complications in diabetes, it’s always best to eat protein rich food with essential vitamins and minerals.