The M.V Hospital for diabetes and the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre organized a human chain in association with Sankara Nethralaya in observation of World Diabetes Day on 14, November, 2011. A total of 400 volunteers, from students of the Women’s Christian College, staff members of Sankara Nethralaya, MV Hospital, Prof M.Vishwanathan Research Centre and other organizations and popular Tamil film star Shri Prashanth stood as a chain with placards, banners and T-Shirts bearing awareness slogans on the need for leading a lifestyle inclusive of healthy food habits, exercise and a stress free life highlighting this year’s theme ‘Act on Diabetes now’
A brisk walk it is said is the best bet for keeping sugar levels well under control, so it was only apt that the volunteers took out a procession from the Women’s Christian College which culminated at the Sankara Nethralaya, their messages educating the general public on the need for early detection and prevention of one of the most dangerous pandemics of today. As an eye care centre Sankara Nethralaya used the occasion to draw public attention to a rather less known physical condition that unchecked diabetes could lead to in patients called ’Diabetic Retinopathy’ an ailment which could damage the most important faculty the ‘sense of seeing’ and cause blindness. Dr SS. Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya observed that an alarming 25% of all diabetics have diabetic retinopathy, he added much to the relief of listeners that if detected at an early stage there are numerous treatment modalities available to cure diabetic retinopathy.
Multi colour posters with messages and illustrations educating people on the need for a balanced diet and physical exercise to keep diabetes at bay were placed at the Sankara Nethralaya campus. Participants were provided biscuits, snacks, coffee and tea at the closing of their walk by Sankara Nethralaya which also conducted an on the spot free random blood sugar test.