Q&A with Dr. Banshi Saboo on Defeat Diabetes Campaign

Under the auspices of the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), Dr. Banshi Saboo and his team have launched a large-scale pan-India initiative, Defeat Diabetes. This is one of the most ambitious initiatives in India and we are bringing the first-hand information from the man himself…

 Dr. Saboo, it’s a pleasure having you here. Was there a pressing need to call for Defeat Diabetes?

 The impact of COVID-19 on people with diabetes have shown us that there is a 50% increase in the chances of poor outcomes, including death. Further, such individuals experience metabolic derangements  as they fight the infection, which can trigger a bigger epidemic of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases in India.

We all hope and pray that the pandemic will end soon, which will, eventually… So in the post pandemic world, is “Defeat Diabetes” still a relevant call?

Of course, the pandemic will end, eventually! But before it does, extant data suggests possibilities of the occurrence of a 3^rd wave with far more devastating complications and a severe crunch on the GDP of the country. The rampant use of steroids during the pandemic has led to stress hyperglycemia, unmasking of latent diabetes and new onset diabetes. Today, blood sugar is considered as the fifth vital sign; there is published evidence already, and one can find the same in this issue of Metabolic Health Digest.

Very well stated, Dr. Saboo… Blood Sugar is the Fifth Vital Sign… What is your vision for 100 days of Defeat Diabetes?

Readiness of the nation is what we are hoping for!  RSSDI is a premier body of metabolic physicians in this country; we shoulders the responsibility of supporting people with diabetes. Our vision is to evoke active interest and cooperation from various cross specialty and allied associations. We are calling upon every national Medical body to join hands with RSSDI, to penetrate the length & breadth of this wonderful country and create awareness that Glucose is the 5th vital sign to be assessed for every individual.

And what do you declare today….

RSSDI declares:

1. Its decision to establish a co-operative programme/ movement whereby every Indian would get tested once for his blood sugar in the next 100 days.
2. Its endorsement of the use of POC for testing every individual in the country either at home or at the closest HCW.
3. Its resolve to involve doctors from all pathies to sustain, strengthen, and utilize to the fullest the support offered by RSSDI and its members.
4. Its intention to foster the programme as essential for the promotion of human welfare, development and amelioration of Diabetes related distress in the country;
5. Its commitment to work out a harmonious balance between the process of development and resources in terms of people , finance & care.