‘Race For Diabetes’

Diabetes has become a very common illness in Sri Lanka with a documented 10-14 percent prevalence rate. Called also as the ‘silent killer’, Diabetes is becoming the number 1 killer disease via its atherosclerotic complications.

Additionally, according, to the latest statistics (Diabetes Health, June 2008) from Sri Lanka, one in every five adults over the age of 20 years are either diabetic or pre-diabetic. One of the biggest causes for this worrying trend is obesity.

Besides being the number one killer, diabetes is also a cause of extreme misery and reduced quality of life through its complications such as blindness, kidney failure, non healing wounds and foot problems. The only way complications can be avoided is through persistent control of blood sugar levels from the time of diagnosis.

Of course, this requires motivation, self control, discipline and steady adherence to a change in lifestyle. All of which a doctor can’t give in a prescription!

So Healthy Life Clinic has issued a challenge to all diabetics by introducing their novel motivational Race in conjunction with the upcoming World Diabetes Day (Nov 14th).

This is not a running race but a “Race for Diabetes” to get one’s blood sugar down and reduce weight. This is a unique way to challenge Diabetics for a healthier life. Through three simple steps, the race can be won before the World Diabetes Day.

1. Between Sept 15 to Oct 10, do the blood sugar, cholesterol and check the weight. 2. Receive tips on winning the race. 3. Recheck sugar and weight one month later.

Those with the biggest difference in weight and/or blood sugar will be selected as winners and awarded either free or discounted diabetes packages, glucometers, or diabetes products and other medical benefits accordingly. This Race ends with an awareness programme on Diabetes care which will be conducted by Consultant Endocrinologists.

The purpose of regular blood sugar testing enables health professionals to identify diabetes problems earlier on and helps improve treatment outcomes. Being a Diabetic requires.