Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, took a significant step towards community health by organizing free diabetes awareness health camps on the 22nd and 24th of November. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Community Medicine, targeted residents of Pimpri Chinchwad and the rural area of Alandi region in Pune. Additionally, on November 23rd, the medical college observed Diabetes Day as an initiative by the Pediatric Endocrinology Team from the Department of Pediatrics. The day saw the inauguration of a “Parent Support Group” for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes.The Chief Guest for the Parent Support Group inauguration was Subhashini Naorem, CEO of Nityaasha Foundation. Dr. Shailaja Mane, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, delivered a thoughtful talk, emphasizing the control of diabetes through the right food intake and the institution’s continuous support for guidance. Dr. Supriya Gupte and Dr. Sajili Mehta, Pediatric Endocrinologists at D.Y. Patil Medical College, shared their expertise by offering guidance and addressing queries from concerned parents during the event.
Mrs. Vaishali Madkaikar a renowned Nutritionist along with a team of dieticians, offered valuable guidance to parents on selecting suitable foods, ensuring proper nutrition, and determining appropriate portion sizes for children with diabetes during the event.
The health camps at Pimpri Chinchwad and Alandi regions featured screening sessions covering RBS, HbA1C, BP, and BMI tests. Dr. Anu Gaikwad, Professor and Head of Dept of Geriatric Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre and Dr. Hetal Rathod, Professor and Head of Dept of Community Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, addressed the residents during the sessions. Dr. Gaikwad provided insights into the reasons behind diabetes, its types, the effectiveness of early detection, and the role of induced drugs. He also shared his experiences from the OPD with diabetes patients.
During the session, Dr. Anu Gaikwad said, “Lifestyle and stress are major concerns for diabetes today. However, by adopting healthy habits such as consuming the right portions of green vegetables and fruits, engaging in regular walking and cycling, maintaining weight, and taking adequate rest, diabetes can be effectively controlled. It is imperative for individuals to prioritize their well-being through simple yet impactful lifestyle modifications, fostering a proactive approach to managing their health. Small changes in daily routines can have a significant cumulative effect, contributing not only to diabetes control but also to overall physical and mental well-being.”
Dr. Hetal Rathod highlighted the rising impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in younger individuals, stressing the need for early prevention through healthier lifestyles, exercise, balanced diets, and reduced tobacco/alcohol consumption.
Dr. Amitav Banerjee, Professor of Community Medicine and Chief Editor of the Medical Journal of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth., said, “Emerging lifestyle patterns in economies like India are favoring sedentary habits, driving up obesity rates, and elevating the risk of diabetes at
younger ages. Specific genetic factors in Indians make them more susceptible to diabetes, marking a critical health challenge that cannot be overlooked.”
In addition to the health camps, the Department of Community Medicine interns presented a Nukkad Natak (street play) themed ‘Insights on Diabetes Care.’ The play delved into the complications, symptoms, and preventive measures essential for diabetic patients.
Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College remains committed to community well-being through such initiatives, contributing to the broader effort to raise awareness about diabetes and encourage healthier lifestyles.