Diabetes

Accu-Chek Successfully Carries off Diabetes Week

Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram launched the initiative on the eve of Children's Day

Ace Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram recently became a part of Accu-Chek Express, an initiative by Roche as a part of their diabetes awareness drive held during Accu-Chek World Diabetes Week in India.

As a part of Accu-Chek Express, a roving float was seen throughout the city administering free check-ups and propagating the message of diabetes and its management. At the event, Akram was joined by Sanjay Gupta, Head of Diabetes Care India & Neighboring Markets and people from across Mumbai who had gathered in great numbers to show their solidarity.

This event was initiated as a support to the ‘Unite for Diabetes’ campaign initiated by the United Nations as a part of the UN-observed World Diabetes Day to propagate awareness of diabetes, its complications and management. The global theme of this year is 'Diabetes in Children and Adolescents' which coincided very well with the Children's Day in India, the day when the programme was launched.

Wasim Akram, who was visibly moved by the sheer number of supporters who had gathered at the event, said, "I am a diabetic, and live a normal and healthy life. In fact, I was diagnosed with diabetes at the very peak of my career and I never let it drive me down. It is very important to educate people about the evils of diabetes, but at the same time it's equally important to inform how to live a full life regardless of this condition. Events and initiatives like these aide that ideal a long way. I am very happy to see these initiatives and have met children who have also been able to overcome their condition at any early age. They are pillars of inspiration and it is people like them that are role models for others similarly afflicted with diabetes."

Akram also went on to announce the Accu-Chek Foundation, an initiative of Roche Diabetes Care to take the UN Initiative forward in spreading awareness and education of diabetes and its complications. Gupta said, "With an estimated 4.1 crore of Indians afflicted with diabetes in India, it is an important health concern. It is imperative that people with diabetes, especially children, are educated about the benefits of leading lifestyle and we feel that this education will be a useful investment in the control of diabetes in future.

EH News Bureau