Ludhiana, June 20
With the latest technology for diabetes management, assisted by proven drugs and lifestyle changes, diabetics can now live a fuller life and avoid complications.

These observations were made by Dr Vishal Bhatia, a consultant at New York University and a visiting professor to Ludhiana Mediciti, while speaking at a CME programme organised by the Physicians Forum and Ludhiana Mediciti here today.

He discussed at length the latest advances in diabetes management and the newly developed medicines available, as well as those which were still under clinical trials. Expressing his satisfaction at the facilities available for the management of diabetes at the host institution, he said these were comparable to the best in the world.

Dr Harinder Singh Bedi, Director of the hospital, explained the latest methods of dealing with diabetics who were also suffering from heart disease.

The head of internal medicine at the hospital, Dr Gaurav Sachdeva, expressed his concern over the increasing incidence of diabetes in India. He said by 2010, India would have the largest number of diabetics in the world and drastic steps were needed to educate people about the importance of early detection of the condition and proper management.

The talks were followed by an interaction with the audience which included Dr L.S. Chawla, former Director of DMC, and Dr B.S. Sekhon, Director of Ludhiana Mediciti. Dr Kulwant Singh and Dr Justin Dass, president and secretary, respectively, of the Physicians Forum felicitated the speakers.

Ludhiana, June 20
In continuation of its endeavour to educate people on vital matters of health, the Department of Dietetics, Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), will organise a dietary exhibition at the medical outpatient department (OPD) on June 21. The exhibition will be beneficial to the patients, public, students, and all those who were involved with patient-care, besides providing general awareness on healthy eating.

Giving details about the programme, Dr John Abraham, Medical Superintendent, said it was vital to educate the common man regarding dietary intervention to suit various physical conditions. “Diet plays a much wider and pervasive role in health and disease. Good diet is necessary not just for ensuring normal growth, development and maintenance, but also for the promotion of resistance to disease and immunity.”

It was also important for prevention of chronic degenerative disease, for retardation of aging, ensuring mental well being and for protection against environmental toxins, he added.

Dr Molly Joshi, Professor and Chief Dietician, CMCH, remarked that the type of food consumed by an individual played an important role in development of the body and mind. “Our body reflects the quality and quantity of food consumed and physical activity we undertake. When we are unwell, modifications are done on the routine diet to suit the physical condition and faster recovery.”

Ludhiana, June 20
An intensive care unit (ICU) block and dialysis ward were inaugurated at the DMCH here today by Mr Prem Nath Gupta, former secretary of the hospital managing committee.

In his message Mr Brijmohan Lall Munjal, president of the DMCH managing society, stressed that in order to retain faith of the patients the faculty and staff of the institution ought to provide best services to the patients.

According to Mr Prem Gupta, secretary, management society, the modern intensive care block ‘Shri Prem Nath Gupta Block, comprised state-of-the art exclusive ICUs, with 74’ beds in different sections.