Team Herald

PANJIM: Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr Vandana Dhume, on Monday stated that over 26.4 per cent of Goa’s population is living with diabetes, marking a serious public health concern for the State.

Speaking at a programme, she explained that diabetes is often called a ‘silent killer’ because it can develop without noticeable symptoms but may lead to severe health consequences.

Dr Ankush Desai, Endocrinologist at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), highlighted that the State government has secured access to the most advanced insulin available globally. He stressed the need to ensure that people with diabetes have regular access to glucose monitoring devices and use them consistently.

He expressed hope that residents in the State will adopt the most advanced insulin pumps currently available, which sense glucose levels from a sensor and automatically deliver the required insulin dose. Dr Desai also emphasised the importance of establishing a centre of excellence to provide dedicated care and empower diabetic patients.

“There is a need to have a centre of excellence where you provide dedicated care to diabetic patients, empowering them. This is something I look forward to seeing in the coming years. Let’s see how the changes unfold,” he said.

Dr Desai added that approximately 26 per cent of people in Goa have diabetes, which is exceptionally high, while about 20 per cent are pre-diabetic. He called for increased awareness and the need for more diabetes testing across the State.

“It’s not that tests are not being conducted, but there’s a need for greater awareness,” he said. Prof Dr Shivanand M Bandekar, Dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, ahead of World Diabetes Day, the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Goa launched ‘Tour de Diabetes’— a four-city tour to raise awareness about diabetes and promote well-being across India. The tour began in Goa with a cyclathon flag-off ceremony attended by Dr Vandana Dhume, Dr Ankush Desai, John Dawber (Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Novo Nordisk Global Business Services), and Logan Phippen (international pro-cyclist, Team Novo Nordisk and Type 1 diabetes ambassador).

Primary students of Mushtifund High School in Panjim sneak a glimpse at a live snake (sand boa), presented by Green Cross, Mapusa on the eve of Naag Panchami