World Diabetes Day: Palamu teenagers increasingly show elevated blood sugar levels, says pathologist
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, November 14: Teenagers in Palamu are increasingly being diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels, with boys in…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, November 14: Teenagers in Palamu are increasingly being diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels, with boys in the 15–17 age group accounting for more cases than girls, according to noted pathologist Dr Shweta Shekhar.
“Boys outnumber girls. We have cases of elevated blood sugar levels in boys in the age group of 15 to 17,” said Dr Shekhar.
Her observation comes as World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14, highlighting the need for early detection, awareness and timely intervention to address the growing burden of diabetes.
Health department’s awareness efforts questioned
A senior health department official based in Ranchi, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern over what the official described as inadequate government efforts to raise awareness about diabetes.
The official said that District Health Societies in all 24 districts of Jharkhand had no dedicated provision of funds for launching diabetes awareness campaigns.
“District Health Society in each of the 24 districts in Jharkhand has no provision of funds for the launching of awareness campaigns against diabetes,” the official said.
The official also questioned the allocation of resources for public health awareness, arguing that campaigns against diabetes and cancer lacked the financial support given to other government initiatives.
“The amount of campaign money for Beti Bachao Beti Parhao or for the Maiyya Samman Yojana is always noticeable, but for the campaign against diabetes and cancer, no health official is in any position to claim as to how he goes about the campaign with not even a shoestring budget,” the official added.
MMCH runs clinic for diabetes and hypertension
Palamu Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer Dr Anil Kumar Sriwastwa said that Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in Daltonganj runs a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinic.
“Our MMCH Daltonganj runs a non-communicable disease clinic. It’s for diabetes and blood pressure, along with oral hygiene issues,” he said.
The clinic provides services related to diabetes, hypertension and oral health.
NFHS-5 data points to higher prevalence in urban Palamu
The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data for Jharkhand indicates a higher prevalence of diabetes in urban areas of Palamu than in rural areas.
According to the figures cited in the report, the prevalence stands at 13 cases per 100 in urban Palamu, compared with three cases per 100 in rural areas.
The findings and the reported cases among teenagers underline the importance of awareness, screening and access to healthcare services for the early identification and management of elevated blood sugar levels.
