The Health Ministry has agreed to a proposal submitted by various life sciences laboratories for reducing the test cost; project to take two years to implement
The Health Ministry has agreed to a proposal submitted by various life sciences laboratories for reducing the test cost; project to take two years to implement
There is some good news for diabetes patients. No, that magic pill to cure the disease has not been invented yet, but the strip tests that they have to carry out regularly may soon cost as low as Rs 2.u00a0The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has agreed to a proposal which will reduce the cost of the test to Rs 5, though the target is to reduce it to Rs 2. The proposal was submitted by various life sciences laboratories across the country with the recommendation of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).
"The project has been funded by various life sciences institutes and some big pharmaceutical companies and will take at least two years to implement. The ministry is keen on implementing the project as it will surely help those affected by the disease," said Dr V M Khatoch, director general, ICMR India holds the dubious distinction of having the maximum number of diabetes patients in the world with over 60 million people affected by the disease. The rising cost of healthcare has only worsened the problem. According to the doctors, many people do not go for a proper strip test because of the high costs involved. A single strip costs between Rs 30 and Rs 40 at present.
"The diabetic patients who take insulin regularly have to take the strip test at least thrice a day which comes to nearly 60 to 70 strips in a month. Seventy five per cent of the patients who come to me do not take the test regularly," said Dr A K Jhinghan, chairperson, Delhi Diabetic Research Centre (DDRC). "If the strips become cheap, people will go for regular check-ups more frequently. We have received many other proposals related to diabetes and are at various stages of finalising them. Till now only this one has been finalised," added Dr Khatoch.
Though the doctors are happy with the new plan, they are little apprehensive about its implementation.
"It is a wonderful step taken by the government. But I am really doubtful if it will be implemented. Sensitivity of these tests needs to be extremely good. They should have a strong data to convince all of us," said Dr Sujeet Jha, head of department, Obesity and Metabolism, Consultant Endocrinologist, Max Healthcare. Whatever comes up, those suffering from diabetes are happy about the proposal. "It's a great step for all of us who are suffering from the disease. Even I miss the strip test at times because of the price. Once the costs are slashed, there will be no such hurdles," said Suresh Khanna, a south Delhi resident.
Bitter truths
Broadly there are three types of diabetes, categorized on the basis of the conditions they produce.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 or simply diabetes: It is caused when the body is unable to produce insulin necessary to manage blood sugar.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: This results from insulin resistance, a condition in which even though the body is producing sufficient insulin, the cells are unable to utilise it. But generally it occurs with Type 1 that is body is neither able to produce insulin properly nor utilise it.u00a0 The most common of these is diabetes insipidus in which large amount of urine is produced (polyuria), which is not sweet (insipidus meaning "without taste" in Latin); it is generally caused by damage to either kidney or pituitary gland.
Pre-diabetes: It is a condition in which a person's blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women with no history of diabetes. But it generally disappears after childbirth.
Celebrity check
Wasim Akram, 36, former Pakistan cricket captain, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 30. He is currently involved in sports commentary and cricket coaching, and often talks about raising awareness about diabetes and its prevention. "All that's needed to dispel anxieties about diabetes is a little education. I've spoken to audiences, some who don't even know me, and the message is basically that 'well if that guy can play cricket with diabetes, I can cope too'. That's important." Akram was reported saying.u00a0VJ Guarav Kapoor was only 22 when he was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. Gaurav however is in well control of his health because of a stringent exercise regimen that includes jogging, yoga and a proper diet. In an recent interview, Kapoor had said, "Diabetes made me sensitive. I realised what my priorities are."
Symptoms
Fatigue:u00a0 As the body is unable to use glucose, it begins metabolising fat. In this process the body has to work harder which results in feeling fatigued and tired.
Rapid weight loss: Unable to process the whole of calories in foods, loss of sugar and water in urine contribute to weight loss.
Excessive thirst:u00a0More water consumption is needed to dilute high blood sugar, hence a diabetic feels thirsty all the time.
Frequent urination:u00a0Body tries to get rid of the extra sugar in the blood by excreting it in the urine.
Excessive hunger:u00a0u00a0One of the functions of insulin is to stimulate hunger. Hence higher insulin levels lead to increased hunger.
Poor wound healing: One of the serious implications of diabetes is poor wound healing. High blood sugar levels prevent white blood cells, necessary for blood clotting and fighting against infection from functioning normally.
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