The incidence of diabetes in India is on the rise, with the current number of affected individuals at 35 million, expected to increase to 79 million by 2030. Factors such as a shift in demographic composition towards an older population and lifestyle changes contribute to the increasing prevalence of diabetes in India. To alleviate the burden on the Indian healthcare system, there is an urgent need for models that can effectively address the rising rate of diabetes. Focusing on prevention, particularly among young people, holds the potential to control the diabetes epidemic and improve prospects for future generations.The project aims to develop a sustainable district-level model that promotes a healthy lifestyle and prevents diabetes in rural Andhra Pradesh.
The project adopts a comprehensive model involving various stakeholders, including laypersons, school children, individuals with diabetes, healthcare workers, and personnel from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the development sector.- School teachers from 563 upper primary schools will receive training in diabetes education.- Approximately 150,000 school children aged 9-12 will be educated in diabetes and healthy lifestyle practices.- These school children are intended to serve as health promotion ambassadors in their communities, passing on health promotion messages to at least five families besides their own. They will also be trained to identify high-risk individuals, estimate urine glucose levels, and refer people with diabetes to health clinics.- Healthcare workers at primary health centres and urban health posts will be trained in diabetes care.- Personnel from NGOs, development organizations, and self-help groups will receive training in health promotion.- With the assistance of self-help groups, individuals with diabetes will have their blood glucose levels checked regularly. Free eye exams will be provided through the primary and secondary eye care networks established by the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute.- The project also aims to advocate for integrating health promotion within the school curriculum, leveraging the lessons learned from this project.
- A total of 8,288 teachers and 119,743 schoolchildren studying in 679 schools were given orientation training to act as health ambassadors in the district. - Completed screening of 528,150 families and covered 2,403,978 persons. - A total of 83,907 persons were identified as being at high risk of developing diabetes and were counselled regarding risk reduction and lifestyle modifications.- Completed training for 183 branches of NGOs and developmental organizations. - Organized 1,184 training programs and completed training of 30,619 self help groups- Completed training of 113 primary health staff (physicians) working in the district in various locations