Diabetes has become a silent killer: DVS

BANGALORE: More than 2,500 people participated in the walkathon jointly organised by the Karnataka Institute of Diabetology and Research Society for the study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) Karnataka Chapter. The 2.5 km walkathon from Cubbon Park witnessed the participation of celebrities, including  actress Leelavathi, her son Vinod Raj, Shivaram, Chandrashekar and Deputy Mayor S Harish.Pointing out the increasing number of diabetics in the state, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda announced on Monday the state government’s commitment to aid and assist organisations working towards the welfare of diabetics and early intervention of the disease.Flagging off a walkathon organised by the Karnataka Institute of Diabetology on the occasion of ‘World Diabetes Day’ here on Monday, Gowda emphasised the need for leading a stress-free life. “All of us are under tremendous pressure. Our life style and work culture has changed.  Diabetes has  become a silent killer. We need comprehensive efforts to tackle the situation,” he added. Pointing out that approximately 66.2 million of the world’s total 222 million diabetics were from India, Gowda said the Karnataka government had implemented several programmes to address the issue. “Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes) is the most common non-communicable disease worldwide,” said Dr. K.R. Narasimha Shetty, Director, Karnataka Institute of Diabetology.