Srinagar, Nov 14, KDC: The Department of Endocrinology, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, in collaboration with Super Speciality Hospital (SSH), organised the third edition of the Diabetes Run and a series of awareness and screening activities on Saturday to mark World Diabetes Day.
Held under the global theme “Early Action on Diabetes,” the programme was organised under the guidance of Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan.
The Diabetes Run, the main highlight of the event, was flagged off at 7:30 am from Nishat Garden Gate to Duck Park and back. More than 300 participants, including doctors, faculty members, nursing staff, postgraduate residents, interns, MBBS students and members of the public, took part. Winners in the men’s and women’s categories were felicitated.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Iffat Hassan stressed the importance of early diagnosis, regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing diabetes and its complications. She urged people to adopt balanced diets, maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco and engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
Prof. Mohammad Hayat Bhat, Head of the Department of Endocrinology, advised adults to undergo blood sugar screening and urged those with risk factors, including obesity, family history, hypertension and a sedentary lifestyle, to get screened regularly.
He cautioned that uncontrolled diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves, emphasising the need for timely diagnosis, regular monitoring and adherence to treatment.
A free diabetes screening and patient education camp was also organised on the lawns of Super Speciality Hospital, where more than 500 people underwent screening. The camp offered blood glucose testing, risk assessment and counselling on nutrition, physical activity, foot care, medication adherence and lifestyle changes. A separate screening facility was also arranged for faculty members.
An interactive session was additionally held for children living with Type 1 diabetes and their parents to provide education, counselling and support.
Administrator Associated Hospitals, GMC Srinagar, Masarat Hashim, appreciated the department’s efforts and assured institutional support for such public health initiatives. Dr. Shahnaz, Associate Professor, Department of Endocrinology, highlighted the importance of public awareness and community participation in diabetes prevention and management.
The programme was attended by heads of departments, faculty members, the Medical Superintendent of SSH, consultants, resident doctors, postgraduate trainees, students and paramedical staff.
The department reiterated its commitment to promoting awareness, early detection and preventive healthcare to strengthen the fight against diabetes. (KDC)
