Thinking big to raise awareness in India: the Mega Diabetes Show

Abstract

According to World Health Organization (WHO) figures, 23 million people in India have diabetes, more than in any other country in the world. By 2025, this number is expected to increase to over 57 million. In other words, one in seven people in India will have diabetes. The increasing prevalence of diabetes seen throughout Asia is a reflection of the effects of westernization, urbanization, and mechanization, all of which are associated with a sedentary life style. Diabetes requires life-long treatment and impacts upon people's daily lives. It carries the risk of chronic complications. The need of the hour is for public education and awareness on a massive scale. Professor Viswanathan Mohan from Chennai, India reports on a successful initiative aimed at achieving just that.