Mumbai: India, often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world, continues to witness a significant rise in diabetes-related amputations, resulting in devastating consequences for individuals and their families. To address this pressing issue and to promote a healthier lifestyle, Rang De Neela initiative has launched a #BluePledge campaign, aiming to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and amputation avoidance. Industrialist Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and esteemed celebrities such as Sonali Bendre and Rohit Bose Roy are lending their support to this initiative by tying a blue protection band on a lower limb of a pledge mannequin to encourage individuals to manage their diabetes and avoid complications such as foot amputation.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that poses numerous health challenges. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage, compromised blood vessels, increased susceptibility to infections, and neuropathy. This combination of factors contributes to an elevated risk of amputations among individuals with diabetes. According to data published by the National Institutes of Health, approximately 100,000 legs are amputated each year in India, and this distressing figure continues to escalate at an alarming rate. The Rang De Neela initiative strives to combat these statistics by emphasizing the importance of health awareness and inspiring individuals to reclaim control over their well-being.
Over fifty metabolic physicians from different regions of India will visit remote villages to educate weavers and artists on preventive measures for chronic conditions, thus promoting health advocacy at the grassroots level. Diabetes has emerged as a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in India; to mitigate the impact of this disorder, it is crucial for individuals to monitor their blood sugar levels, adhere to prescribed medications, and undergo regular health check-ups.
Zandra Healthcare head of Diabetology and co-founder of Rang De Neela initiative Dr. Rajiv Kovil emphasised the importance of early detection, proper management of diabetes, and addressing its complications, such as diabetic foot ulcers, peripheral artery disease, and neuropathy. Dr. Kovil stated, “Amputations can be avoided by opting for early detection, treatment, diabetes prevention, and dealing with diabetes-related foot complications. Amputation causes dependency on others, leading to trauma, depression, stress, frustration, loneliness, and anxiety for the affected individuals.”
Dr. Ami Shah, co-founder of Zandra Healthcare and holder of a Ph.D. in Social Sciences, shared her perspective on the campaign, stating, “To inspire the nation to stay healthy, senior metabolic physicians have turned into Health Crafters, Health Weavers, Metabolic Sutradhars and Blue Angels, while artists have turned into Heartists. Our motto is to generate awareness on metabolic health, educate individuals about amputations, drive behavioural change in society, address local health concerns, build caregiver networks, and support caregiving. Managing chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia is crucial for fostering a metabolically healthy India. We aim to provide individuals with the means and methods to manage their health effectively. Last year we could reach over two million people on physical and digital platforms; this year we hope that more people will become a part of this mission and prioritise their health.”
The #BluePledge campaign stands as a beacon of hope, urging individuals to unite in the fight against diabetes and amputations. By combining the power of art, celebrity support, and medical expertise, this initiative aims to revolutionize health awareness and inspire individuals to lead healthier lives.
Sonali Bendre took to Instagram to address this issue, stating, “Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that is common in our country and is a silent killer. Over 150,000,000 Indians are at risk of having their limbs amputated due to diabetes. Please remember that early detection helps. I pledge to protect them by supporting the @rangdeneela campaign. #BluePledge”
Rohit Roy also expressed his support for the cause through an Instagram video, highlighting the urgency to address diabetes and amputation-related concerns. The campaign’s primary objective is to disseminate this message nationwide, alleviate the burden of diabetes, and prevent amputations.
Leave a Reply