Wasim Akram kick starts Accu-Chek Diabetes Week in the capital

Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) Ace Pakistani Cricketer and humanitarian, Wasim Akram today flagged off 'Accu Chek Express', a roving float that would move throughout the city administering free check ups and propagate the message of diabetes and its management.

This is a unique initiative by Roche Diagnostics as a part of their diabetes awareness drive to mark the World Diabetes Week. It has been initiated as a support to the 'Unite for Diabetes' campaign started by the United Nations as a part of the UN observed World diabetes Day to propogate awareness of disease, its complications and management.

''I am a Diabetic, and I live a normal and healthy life. In fact, I was diagnosed with the disease at the very peak of my career and I never let it drive me down. It is very important to educate people about the evils of diabetes, but at the same time it's equally important to inform how to live a full life regardless of this condition,'' Akram said on this occasion.

Asserting that events and initiatives like these aid that ideal a long way, he expressed satisfaction that following awareness children have been able to overcome their condition at an early age. They are pillars of inspiration and role models for others similarly afflicted with diabetes, he said.

Akram also announced launching of the Accu-Chek Foundation, an initiative of Roche Diabetes Care, to take the UN initiative forward in spreading awareness and education of diabetes and its complications.

After the flag off, the float then moved through various parts of the city, administering free check ups and organising impromptu quiz sessions on diabetes. This was an effort to spread the word on the disease while keeping the participants interested.

The Accu Chek Express will travel through Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. The awareness drive has been tied up with several Multinational corporations such as, FICCI, IBM and MTNL, where free blood sugar checks will be conducted of the employees.

Speaking on this occasion, Sanjay Gupta, Head of Diabetes Care India&Neighboring Markets, said India has an estimate 4.1 crore people afflicted with diabetes making it an important health concern. It is imperative that people with diabetes, especially children, were made aware of the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle as it will be a useful investment in the control of diabetes in future.

''Roche Diabetes Care is the first diagnostics company in India to have made an effort of this kind and we are proud and humble about this fact. We are also very happy to have Wasim here with us, without whose undying support this initiative could not have been a grand success," he said.

Accu-Chek has a comprehensive diabetes care portfolio, offering people with diabetes and healthcare professionals innovative products and solutions ranging from blood glucose meters, to advice on the go and insulin delivery. This commitment will bring people with diabetes excellence in technology to help them manage their condition, leaving extra time for them to enjoy more spontaneous quality of life.

UNI