Diabetic society organises annual walk and health screening to raise awareness |23 November 2020

The Diabetic Society of Seychelles on Saturday organised an awareness walk and health screening in connection with World Diabetes Day – observed on November 14 – with the aim of educating people on preventive measures in order to lower the risk of the disease and complications that may arise from it.

Government officials, medical specialists, representatives from healthcare organisations, the Indian ambassador for Seychelles Dalbir Singh Suhag, students and individuals from various walks of life attended both gatherings.

Also in attendance was the new Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot, who noted that prevention is key and it is important that everyone takes the necessary precautions and live a healthier lifestyle in order to avoid the disease.

After the walk, a free health screening was organised at Dr Murthy’s health centre in Victoria.

“It is important that every year after the walk we have a free health screening for everyone who wants to get a check-up and know their status,” said Dr Murthy Pillay, chairman of the Diabetic Society.

11 to 12 percent of the population in Seychelles suffer from diabetes, this means that 12 out of 100 people have the disease and many of them don’t know their status.

He added that diabetes do not show symptoms until at a further stage so it is important for people to get tested early. He noted that nowadays obesity in children has increased and now more and more kids are suffering from Type 2 diabetes. To prevent diabetes or help control blood sugar if one is living with diabetes, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This entails eating healthy foods – more vegetables and fruits, less carbohydrates, fats, sugars and salts. One also needs to exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day will do you good. Take the stairs, not the lift. Walk short distances. Avoid boarding a vehicle for short distances. Avoid smoking. If you are a smoker, seek assistance to quit. Avoid harmful use of alcohol. Excessive use of alcohol is dangerous to health. Visit your nearest health facility for regular check-up for diabetes and blood pressure. Early diagnosis and proper treatment prevents complications resulting from diabetes.

Diabetes needs to be more emphasised now as people suffering from it have a higher risk of severe Covid-19 complications and death when infected.

The doctor also noted that the association and the Ministry of Health are doing their best to raise awareness but more has to be done in order to reach every part of our population.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the awareness activities.

Christophe Zialor

Photos: Jude Morel