Varanasi: Events related to healthcare were organised in the city to mark World Diabetes Day on Saturday. The venues of the events included Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur, and Banaras Hindu University.A special free health screening and diabetes awareness camp was organised at the airport under the direction of chief medical officer Dr N P Singh. The camp was led by Dr Shivshakti Prasad Dwivedi, medical officer and CPR expert.The initiative aimed to promote early detection, timely medical intervention and awareness about diabetes among airport officials, employees, Central Industrial Security Force personnel, ground staff and passengers.During the camp, free blood sugar and blood pressure tests, weight measurements and body mass index assessments were conducted. Participants also received medical counselling on diabetes symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle practices. Awareness was also raised about possible complications of uncontrolled diabetes affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and nervous system.Dr Dwivedi said diabetes is a serious but manageable disease. He said the absence of visible symptoms does not necessarily mean blood sugar levels are normal, making periodic screening essential. He stressed that early diagnosis, adherence to medical advice, a balanced diet and regular exercise play a crucial role in preventing long-term complications.He urged people to reduce sugar consumption, avoid excessive intake of sweetened beverages, choose whole fruits over fruit juices and undertake at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.World Diabetes Day was also observed at the Centre of Excellence for Adolescent Health and Development, Sathiya Kendra, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. The programme was organised in collaboration with Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child, New Delhi, and the National Health Mission, UP, on the ‘Early Action on Diabetes’ theme.The event featured Prof (Major) Anjali Rani from the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, IMS-BHU, as the resource person. She highlighted the importance of understanding diabetes, its types and prevention methods, while advocating routine check-ups and expert consultation for effective health management. She said diabetes affects individuals at every stage of life and underlined the need for a life-course approach to its prevention and management.
