2 day Diabetes and Thyroid camp from December 11to December 12 to educate people about the perils of ignoring these disorders

Camp offered free consultation with endocrinologist and discounts on lab and radiology tests to 80 patients.

Most of the cases were of hypo thyroidism in the age group varying from 35-40

With more than 62 million diabetic people, the insulin disorder is gaining the status of a potential epidemic in India. However, despite the severity of the condition and rampant incidence of diabetes, there remains lack of adequate awareness about the condition and its potential consequences. People with diabetes are at risk of developing thyroid disorders as well, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and kidney disease.

In a bid to raise awareness about diabetes and the perils of potential consequences of ignoring this condition, Columbia Asia Hospital – Patiala organized a two-day in-house free Diabetes and Thyroid camp starting December 8, inviting people to get themselves checked for these conditions.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with the pancreas that causes an excess or paucity of glucose levels in the blood. It is a dangerous condition that can make the patient highly susceptible to several other serious health disorders. Thyroid hormone regulates energy and metabolism in the body. Thyroid disease is caused when the gland tends to either overproduce the thyroid hormone leading to hyperthyroidism or not producing enough hormones causing hypothyroidism. Patients with diabetes have the higher risk of developing both conditions in their later stages due to abnormal glucose levels caused by diabetes.

“Both diabetes and thyroid are autoimmune disorders. Resultantly, diabetic patients are at more risk of developing thyroid disorder as compared non-diabetic person as patients with one organ-specific autoimmune disease are at risk of developing other autoimmune disorders. Studies have revealed a higher than normal prevalence of thyroid disorder in type 2 diabetic patients. A diabetic person is also at high risk of developing heart disease, renal disease as well as hypertension. Therefore, considering the consequences that either of the diseases or both can lead, an early detection of the same is high recommended. Hence, the camp has been initiated to encourage people to come to check their sugar levels and raise awareness about the condition,” said Dr Inderpreet Kaur, Consultant Endocrinology, Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala

During the camp, doctors conducted the required tests to detect the diabetes and thyroid scale of the patients. The scale helps doctors decide whether the person is pre-diabetic, diabetic or non-diabetic. Accordingly, the expert specialists will guide them through the prevention or care of diabetes and thyroid.

“Pre-diabetes is the stage before one develops full-fledged diabetes. At this stage, although the blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Therefore, people detected at this stage can prevent diabetes by maintain healthy lifestyle, increasing their physical activities and checking on their food habits. Therefore, recognizing the pre-diabetic stage is very crucial for future prevention. For people who have a family history of diabetes, it is highly advisable to lead healthy and active lifestyles to prevent the disorder,” said Dr Kaur

The camp allowed participants to avail a free consultation with an endocrinologist and seek valuable advice about prevention and control. Additionally, the camp also offered discounts on lab and radiology tests.

“We have observed that people lack awareness about diabetes which is often underestimated as a health disorder in India. We have organized this camp to encourage people come and take the test to check their diabetes and thyroid scale. During the camp, the doctors also guided the participants about the do’s and don’ts and prevention of the diseases, and also educated them about the harmful effects of the conditions. The doctors would also put in their efforts to spread about the hazards of the diseases,” said Dr Inderpeet Kaur

Diabetes in a person is often hinted by symptoms such as increased thirst and increased urination, slow healing of cuts and wounds, blurred vision, unexpected weight loss, extreme tiredness and others. Meanwhile, symptoms such as goiter, cold or heat intolerance, tremors fatigue insomnia, menstrual disturbance, palpitations/increased heart beat can be indicative of thyroid disease.