Number of hypertension, diabetes patients increasing in Kothagudem

This was found during a recent survey conducted for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the district. As per the survey, it was the youth who were suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes

Kothagudem: In an alarming development, the numbers of hypertension and diabetes patients have been increasing in Kothagudem district.

This was found during a recent survey conducted for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the district. As per the survey, it was the youth who were suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.

As many as 1.32 lakh patients were identified to be suffering from hypertension and diabetes across the district. During the survey, the district health staff screened nearly 4.88 lakh persons for hypertension and of them 87,754 persons were suffering from high blood pressure. About 38,850 patients have been receiving treatment at government hospitals.

Similarly, 5.12 lakh persons were screened for diabetes and of them 44,306 persons were suffering from diabetes while 20,160 patients have been receiving treatment at government hospitals, the survey found.

According to the statistics of the survey, most of the patients were below 35 years of age. Half of the 1.32 lakh patients have been suffering from both diabetes and high blood pressure. District Medical and Health Officer Dr. L Bhaskar Naik informed that lifestyle changes and food habits have been contributing to the increase in diabetes and high blood pressure patients.

By changing lifestyle and food habits, one could control diabetes and high blood pressure. Daily physical activity helps a lot in preventing the incidence of the diseases, Dr. Naik suggested. Steps were being taken to keep the required medicines available at all government hospitals, he added.