BENGALURU: In a significant move to enhance diabetes awareness, treatment, and care, the Karnataka government, in collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF), has launched the “Changing Diabetes Barometer” initiative. This program aims to establish community diabetes centers at district and sub-district hospitals, as well as at community and primary health centers across the state.
The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, will adopt a comprehensive approach to diabetes care within outpatient department consultations. Pilot projects are set to begin in Bengaluru Urban, Yadgir, and Dakshina Karnataka, covering a population of over 1.5 million people. These projects will include real-time diabetes mapping, early diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.
The program will also focus on foot and eye care awareness at government facilities for those living with diabetes. An MoU was signed by Naveen Bhat Y, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Government of Karnataka, and Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, in the presence of Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Health Minister Rao highlighted a recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, revealing that India has around 101 million people living with diabetes and another 136 million in pre-diabetic stages. This initiative aims to address this growing health concern by promoting comprehensive diabetes care and awareness at the community level.