Diabetics club formed

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

A club for diabetics and those at risk of developing the disease was launched recently by the Ceylinco Diabetes Centre with a view to promote the welfare of diabetics and impart self-management skills to the affected victims.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and stroke and afflicts one in seven Sri Lankans, an alarming prevalence of 14 per cent. Statistics show that diabetes is also one of the most common causes of foot ulcers and amputation of lower limbs.

The Ceylinco Diabetes Centre has been established by Ceylinco Healthcare Services Limited (CHSL) in affiliation with the Washington Hospital Centre.

This 'Sweet n' Fit', the Ceylinco Diabetes Club intends to encourage adults and children afflicted with diabetes to lead normal lives by providing knowledge and arranging activities that will help them control diabetes and its related complications. It will also focus on those who are at risk of developing diabetes to promote prevention through proper lifestyle management.

"The club aims at creating an awareness and taking measures to control the disease ," Ceylinco Healthcare Services Deputy Chairman R. Renganathan told the launching ceremony.

He explained that many people who are diagnosed with diabetes tend to be mislead and are not aware of the latest management techniques available to them.

Membership in 'Sweet n' Fit' would be free for all those eligible to join. The club has been established as a community service project of the Centre, which is the most advanced stand-alone private facility for screening and management of diabetics in Sri Lanka.

Members of 'Sweet n' Fit' would be entitled to special discounts for investigations and services obtained from the Ceylinco Diabetes Centre, for packages offered by the Ceylinco Healthcare Centre as well as for discounts from several business establishments such as the Ceylon Boot Manufactory, Power World, Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Eli Lilly and Company, Novodisk, Novartis and Visioncare. Members of the club would also be provided with a resource centre including the latest books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes on diabetes and other related fields.

Plans to arrange programmes on stress release as well as personality development are also being drawn up. Interactive sessions and educational programmes to create awareness amongst Sri Lankans will also be organized by the Club.

'Sweet n' Fit' plans to organize a series of competitions for diabetics and non-diabetics. This includes competitions such as the selection of the best glucose control achiever within three months time and many more interesting activities.