Dhanbad: Medical experts on Saturday warned that unhealthy lifestyles are fuelling diabetes and urged people to focus on awareness, early detection and regular physical activity to prevent the disease and its complications.An awareness programme and walkathon were organised at Gandhi Seva Sadan near Randhir Verma Chowk on World Diabetes Day. Schoolchildren participated in the event and urged people to adopt healthier food habits and stay active.Addressing the gathering, Dr NK Singh, national vice-president of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, said nearly 98% of diabetes cases in India were type 2 and linked to lifestyle factors.“Unhealthy eating habits, excessive consumption of junk food and lack of physical activity are contributing to the rapid rise in diabetes cases. The disease can be prevented to a significant extent through timely lifestyle modifications,” he said.Dr Singh cautioned that uncontrolled blood sugar levels could damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nervous system. Prevention, early diagnosis and proper management, he said, were essential to avoid long-term damage.He advised people to begin the day with a healthy breakfast, avoid excessive consumption of pizza, burgers, noodles and packaged snacks, and exercise regularly. He also recommended blood sugar screening from the age of 18, especially for those with risk factors.The programme included a run and a demonstration of resistance exercises using household items. After the run, children were served fruit salad and sprouts, while doctors explained their nutritional benefits.Manisha Kumari, a participating student, said many children brought fast food and oily snacks in lunch boxes.“After attending this programme, I have decided not to carry fast food or oily food to school anymore,” she said.
