Coimbatore: Free diabetes check-up on world diabetes day

Coimbatore, Nov 14: Aravind Eye Hospital, along with Lions Clubs, and The World Diabetes Association, will conduct free diabetes blood screening camps for people above 40 years of age on Nov 14, the World Diabetes Day. V R Saravanan, Consultant Retina and Vitreous, Aravind Eye Hospital, told reporters here on Thursday that the camps would be held at 51 centres in Coimbatore, Pollachi and Tirupur. Those diagnosed with diabetes would be screened for diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems on November 16 at the Gujarati Samaj in Coimbatore in association with the RRV Diabetes Speciality Centre.
In Pollachi, the retinopathy camps would be held on November 15. All those who were found to have the problem would be treated by the Aravind Eye Hospital free of cost.

The camps were to create awareness among the public on diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in particular, Dr.Saravanan said.

Notices about the camp would be put up in public places. Not many people were aware that prolonged uncontrolled diabetes could lead to diabetic retinopathy. Those who had had diabetes for more than 25 years had 90 per cent chances of developing the problem, he said.

Controlled diabetes could delay the onset of diabetic retinopathy. Early detection was important. Since the disease did not manifest any symptoms, persons with diabetes should carry out routine check up for diabetic retinopathy every year, he said.

OneIndia News