Mini marathon to highlight exercise

Kochi, Oct 31: As India earns the dubious distinction of being called the ''diabetes capital of the world'', experts here say that the disease is preventable with timely changes in lifestyle, especially with increased emphasis on physical activity.

To highlight the efficacy of exercise in diabetes control, occasion of the World Diabetes Day on November 11. On a mini marathon will be flagged off here by Ernakulam district collector A P M Mohammad Hanish.

Nearly 2000 people, including film star Suresh Gopi and singer Vineeth Sreenivasan, are expected to take part in the Marathon, being organised by the city-based Lakshmi Hospital, Addressing a press conference here last night, K Ajaykumar, Medical Superintendent of Lakshmi Hospital, said it was estimated that of the 240 million diabetics in the world, nearly 40 million were Indians.

The incidence of juvenile diabetes also was growing at an ''alarming rate'', with almost 200 children being diagnosed with the disease worldwide every day, he added.

Describing diabetes as a ''slow killing disease'', Dr Ajaykumar said that nearly 20 to 30 per cent patients with long-standing and uncontrolled diabetes were at the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

Renal failure, diabetic foot and cardiac problems were some of the other complications that could develop, if diabetes was not treated properly, he added.

''The good news is that it is now known that diabetes and its complications can be prevented by lifestyle changes like exercise and diet. We hope to propagate this important message to the general public through DIACARE 2006,'' Tom Babu, Diabetologist and Endocrinologist at Lakshmi Hospital said.

Apart from the two-km long mini marathon, a painting competition for children with juvenile diabetes will also be organised, Dr Babu said. Cine star Kunchacko Boban will distribute the prizes to the winners, he added.

UNI