Today is World Diabetes Day

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The ‘Diabetes Walk 2012’ organized by the Colombo University Medical Faculty Diabetes Research Unit, “Tharunyata Hetak” Youth Organization, Health Ministry National Nutrition Secretariat and Education Ministry commenced near the Diyawanna Park in Battaramulla yesterday. Here, Chief Guests First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena participated at the inauguration. It was organized as an awareness raising programme parallel to the ‘World Diabetes Day’ which falls today). Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

Today is World Diabetes Day. Diabetes is one of the main Non Communicable Diseases in the world and the cause of many other diseases.

According to Health Ministry sources. Sri Lanka has around five million Diabetes patients and two million people are at risk of becoming diabetic in the near future. Around 50 percent of Lanka's total population may be affected by Diabetes by year 2050.

"Health authorities point out that the disease is caused by unhealthy food patterns, alcohol, excess sugar and flour intake and lack of exercise. Cultivating good habits, such as, refraining from consuming artificial and sugary foods and reduction of weight can help in preventing Diabetes.

"Around 15 percent of the country's school children suffer from Diabetes and four percent are over weight". The Health Ministry has taken several measures to control Non Communicable Diseases, including, Diabetes, a ministry spokesman said.