World Diabetes Day Arrives at Powerpeta UPHC
In observance of World Diabetes Day, the Powerpeta Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) hosted a comprehensive awareness programme on Friday. The event, organized under the guidance of the District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO), Dr. John Amrutham, brought together healthcare professionals, local officials, and community members to highlight the importance of preventing diabetes and managing the disease effectively.
Key Speakers Emphasize Prevention and Early Detection
During the session, a senior healthcare worker delivered an informative address to the attendees, stressing the rising prevalence of diabetes and its impact on individuals and families. The speaker outlined practical steps to reduce risk, including maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, consuming a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and limiting sugary drinks and processed foods. The emphasis was on small, sustainable changes that can collectively make a big difference over time.
DM&HO Dr. John Amrutham reiterated the need for community-based interventions to help people recognize warning signs and seek timely medical advice. She highlighted the role of routine screening, especially for high-risk groups such as adults over 40, those with a family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes survivors, and individuals with hypertension or obesity. The message was clear: early detection leads to better management and reduces the risk of serious complications.
Practical Guidance: Living Well with or Without Diabetes
The programme offered practical tips for healthy living that can be incorporated into daily routines. Attendees learned about portion control, the importance of fiber-rich meals, and the role of physical activity in improving insulin sensitivity. Healthcare workers demonstrated easy, home-friendly exercises and discussed strategies to stay motivated, such as setting attainable goals and tracking progress with simple tools.
In addition to nutrition and exercise guidance, the session covered the importance of regular medical check-ups and blood sugar monitoring. Participants were introduced to the concept of personal diabetes risk assessments and the value of keeping a medical record to monitor glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The aim was to empower people with knowledge that helps them make informed health decisions.
Community Engagement and Support
Community members actively engaged with the speakers, asking questions about how to adapt recommendations to busy urban lifestyles. Health workers provided culturally appropriate advice, acknowledging local dietary patterns and feasible alternatives. The event also served as a platform to promote local resources, including nutrition counseling, physical activity groups, and routine screening programs offered at the UPHC and nearby facilities.
Family involvement was encouraged, recognizing that diabetes management often requires support at home. The organisers stressed the importance of collective efforts—parents modeling healthy behavior for children, spouses supporting exercise routines, and communities creating environments that favor healthy food choices and safe spaces for physical activity.
Outcomes and Looking Ahead
By the end of the day, participants left with a better understanding of diabetes prevention, risk factors, and the benefits of early treatment. The UPHC plans to schedule follow-up sessions, including lifestyle modification workshops and extended screening drives in the weeks ahead. The DM&HO emphasized that World Diabetes Day is not a single event but a continuous call to action for healthier communities.
Why This Matters
Diabetes is a major public health challenge with rising incidence across urban centers. Programs like the Powerpeta UPHC awareness event are essential for translating global health messages into local action. When communities are informed, screening rates increase, healthier choices become the norm, and the burden of diabetes complications can be reduced over time.
