In a bid to detect and control diabetes in Tamil Nadu, the World Bank aided Health Systems Project has taken up a programme covering four diseases, including diabetes, in all districts.
The first phase covering 16 districts was already underway since July 2012 and the next phase covering 16 districts since April 2013, an official release said here tonight on the eve of World Diabetes day.
The overall objective of the Non Communicable Diseases programme is to reduce morbidity and mortality by creating awareness on risk factors, symptoms, benefits of regular screening and early detection and providing services in government health facilities.
The release quoted an Indian Council of Medical Research- INDIAB study to say overall diabetes prevalence of diabetes in Tamil Nadu was 10.3 per cent, with urban areas accounting for 13.5 per cent and rural areas 7.8 per cent.
The release said all men and women aged 30 years and above visiting government facilities for health problems are being screened for diabetes, irrespective of symptoms. All those detected positive would be given further treatment,counselling on lifestyle modification, follow up and referral services.
A total of 2.2 lakh people of just over 49 lakh tested detected positive for diabetes during the period, it said.
