Matrimonial website for diabetics launched

New Delhi, Jun 1 (UNI) Diabetic loners need no longer pine for a life partner -- there now is a matrimony website with a difference, one that promises to help find prospective brides and grooms for those who are diabetic or prone to diabetes.

The site--''www.diabeticmatrimony.com'' will offer customised matrimonial services to allow diabetic individuals to find 'suitable' partners of similar interests and background.

It was launched at an interactive session organised last evening by the Delhi Diabetes Research Centre (DDRC) to spread awareness about the disease and its complications, especially among youths in India, with an initiative towards reducing the ''social stigma associated with diabetes '' Miss America 1999 and International Diabetes Advocate, Ms Nicole Johnson and VJ and TV personality Gaurav Kapoor, who was chosen as Youth ambassador of Diabetes in India, also took part in the session.

Speaking about her experience, Ms Johnson said she was diagnised with Type 1 diabetes 15 years back but could overcome the trauma and worked hard to achieve her goals.

''I am thankful that I could achieve my goals of being educated, winning a beauty contest, getting married and giving birth to a healthy child,'' she said.

''It is needed first to make the people around aware that you are diabetic'', Ms Johnson said while explaining the baselessness of social stigmas like a diabetic cannot marry or have children.

Kapoor, who was diagnosed Type 1 diabetic at the age of 22, said in his characteristic light manner, that the disease had made him more strong as he was living a more healthy and regulated life than before.

He asked the youngsters suffering from diabetes that they should first acknowledge the disease so that they could lead an absolutely healthy life by adopting few measures like routine check on Blood Sugar, eating healthy, doing regular excercise and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Speaking about the treatment he said, ''it is not impossible, may be difficult. With the support of people around it can be done easily.'' Three more girls from Delhi, who are Type 1 diabetics were also given certificates as youth ambassadors of Diabetic.

The interaction was participated by Dr A K Jhingan, chairman DDRC, asked the parents of young children that they should not hide the disease and make it known to the kids' teachers and friends for their benefit.

India has the highest number of diabetic patients in the world , around 46 million ,as per the World Health Organisation, expected to rise to an alarming 80 million by 2030, posing serious health and economic burden on the country. The major reason behind it is the ignorant attitude of people and unhealthy lifestyle.

Motivating participants to come out openly and talk about their problem, Mr Kapoor said, ''This battle can be won 50 per cent in mind like other battles in life.......Diabetes is silent killer, if you are silent then it is a killer.'' UNI