Times of India
11 November 2010
Bangalore, India

This World Diabetes Day, even your regular hang–outs, malls and shopping hubs are constantly reminding you of a common health issue, and how you should guard yourself.

So while on a shopping spree, you could also get yourself tested for diabetes at one of the stores. Lifestyle, the retail fashion chain, started an initiative where you can get yourself checked and take adequate precautions against diabetes.

On Wednesday, Lifestyle International and The Times of India launched the campaign by sharing trivia about the disease and getting Sandalwood celebrities such as Sharmila Mandre and Priyanka Upendra to talk about it.

Acclaimed diabetologist Dr Mahesh Sathiavageeswaran said, "At least 3,600 people are diagnosed with diabetes every day. And 600 of them undergo severe complications. With economic growth, people are unwilling to make time for exercise. The space to exercise has come down as well. We mostly eat western food, which is rich in calories and not proteins."

Diabetes is not just about high blood sugar, there is usually a problem with the entire metabolism of the body. "It starts affecting your retinal tissues, your kidney tissues and others," he said.

The free blood glucose screening tests will be organized at 11 landmark group stores across the city and three Fitness One outlets from November 11 to 14. The campaign includes a walkathon on November 21, with Kanteerava Stadium being the starting point. Business leaders, prominent personalities and celebrities will participate in the walkathon.

Lifestyle International MD Kabir Lumba said: "Over 50 million Indians suffer from Type 2 diabetes. The problem is that it’s a silent disease, many of us are not aware of how to protect ourselves or postpone the onset of the disease. That’s why Lifestyle has taken up the campaign."

Testing Outlets:

• Lifestyle: Adarsh Opus, Mantri Mall, Oasis Centre
• Spar: Bannerghatta Road, Mantri Mall
• Max: Indiranagar, Commercial Street
• Splash: M G Road
• Bossini: Indiranagar, Church Street
• Fitness One: Koramangala, Jayanagar, Indiranagar

Register for the 5km walkathon on November 21 at the same outlets.
Symptoms Of Diabetes

• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Urinating frequently
• Extreme tiredness
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• General itching

How To Control Diabetes?

• Get yourself checked on a regular basis
• Take medication
• Eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Do not smoke
• Have your eyes screened regularly
• Inspect your feet daily
• Control blood pressure

Eat Right, Feel All Right
You should aim to get about a third of your dietary intake from rice, chapathi, bread, ragi, oats and other cereals, a third from fruits and vegetables and a third from low fat, dairy and meat products.