diabetes Archives

February 14, 2024

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February 2024, Colombo: The Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists (SLCE), the leading authority at the forefront of diabetes management and education in Sri Lanka, has announced a collaborative partnership with Morison Ltd, a pioneer in the Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, to launch a certificate training program for primary healthcare professionals on diabetes management.

Sri Lanka faces a growing epidemic in diabetes, with an estimated prevalence of one in five Sri Lankans living with diabetes. Primary healthcare doctors are often the first point of contact for patients with diabetes, hence equipping them with specialized knowledge and skills is crucial for early diagnosis, effective management, and preventing complications. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between SLCE and Morison on 13^th February 2024, reflects a shared commitment to bridge this gap in diabetes expertise and establish primary care as the first line of defence.

The course content developed and delivered by the SLCE, features an evidence-based curriculum, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring participants receive up-to-date knowledge that adheres to the latest Clinical Practice Guidelines and international standards. The program aims to empower primary healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive diabetes care in their daily practice, including therapeutics, lifestyle counselling, and complication prevention, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced burden on the healthcare system. The course, spanning four months, is now open for registrations for the first intake, and the collaboration aims to conduct two such programs per annum.

Dedicated to advancing endocrinology and diabetes care in Sri Lanka, the SLCE spearheads numerous initiatives to educate healthcare professionals on best practices in diabetes management. Dr. Niranjala Meegoda Widanege, President of the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists stated, “Equipping our primary healthcare doctors with specialized diabetes knowledge and skills is essential to tackle the growing epidemic effectively. This training program marks a significant step forward in ensuring accessible and quality diabetes care for all Sri Lankans.”

Dinesh Athapaththu, Managing Director, Morison Ltd commenting on the partnership added, “We are pleased to collaborate with the SLCE to bring this meaningful initiative to life. With a patient-centric approach across our value chain, we believe our latest efforts with the SLCE reflects our commitment to deliver a refreshing difference at a time it is most needed by the nation.”

Staying true to their purpose of “Making Premium Healthcare Affordable”, Morison strives to play a major role in the fight against diabetes by bringing the latest therapies closer to the nation with an offering that stands distinctively different with the best of quality and price.

Morison is a truly Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturing company, with a rich legacy of over 60 years of industrial expertise. Their new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Homagama, is the largest investment to date in the local pharma manufacturing industry. Being the country’s largest pharma manufacturing facility for general tablets and liquids, it is also the first such facility in Sri Lanka to comply to European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (EU GMP) specifications.

As per their new strategic direction, Morison is committed to nurture an exclusive homegrown pharma brand built upon a value blend that is uniquely unapparelled, embarking on a journey upstream of elevating the Sri Lankan pharmaceutical industry to the heights it deserves.

September 8, 2023

Suwa Diviya, the not-for-profit initiative dedicated to promoting healthier living and diabetes awareness, has successfully conducted free diabetes awareness programs recently for several prominent Sri Lankan corporates. The sessions focused on the prevention and management of diabetes.

Some of the organizations that have recently participated in Suwa Diviya’s corporate programs were Sri Lankan Airlines, Imperial Teas, Atlas, Dimo, NDB Bank, HNB, Standard Chartered, Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) Allianz Insurance, Maliban, Hirdaramani and MAS. Through these sessions, Suwa Diviya aimed to empower employees with essential knowledge and practical strategies to manage their health and prevent the onset of diabetes.

The comprehensive covered several vital aspects of diabetes prevention and management — prevention of diabetes, early diagnosis, adequate control and prevention of complications. Participants also learned about the importance of lifestyle changes, such as healthy and nutritional eating habits and regular exercise, in preventing diabetes.

The sessions also featured presentations by a diverse range of health experts which provided insights into effectively managing diabetes through proper medication, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments. Additionally, Suwa Diviya highlighted the significance of early detection through screenings and risk assessments, including blood glucose testing, height, weight, waist measurement, and BMI calculation.

“We are delighted with the overwhelming response from the corporate sector to our diabetes awareness programs,” said Suwa Diviya Founder Dr.Kayathri Periasamy. “By providing practical knowledge and tools to corporate employees, we believe we are contributing to building a healthier future for both individuals and organizations. In Sri Lanka, diabetes has grown into an alarming epidemic. A staggering 1 in 4 individuals is grappling with diabetes, while an additional 30% teeter on the brink as prediabetics. What’s more concerning is the rapid rise of diabetes among urban youth, with the age of onset steadily decreasing, while the sedentary lifestyles they lead further aggravate the situation, with direct implications for the workforce. A significant proportion of those suffering from diabetes, approximately 1 million people, remain unaware of their condition.

“The tests carried out at our corporate programs also indicate that 1 in 4 people have abnormal blood sugar levels, out of which 1/3 are totally unaware of this condition. This means that the latter is exposed to dangerous consequences of diabetes even without their knowledge. The good news is that diabetes can be prevented. That’s why we are working together with companies to educate people,” Dr. Periasamy said further.

Suwa Diviya remains committed to empowering the Sri Lankan corporate sector with essential knowledge to address the diabetes epidemic effectively. By working hand in hand with organizations, Suwa Diviya aims to create a culture of well-being, supporting employees in leading healthier and more fulfilling lives while contributing to reducing the burden of diabetes in Sri Lanka.

November 14, 2020

The feet and ankles are the foundation of the kinetic chain of interconnected parts of a person. So, whether we have a foot misalignment or a medical condition, we need to give them plenty of support, Nita Jayasekara discovers at FootBalance

I worry about my feet. I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years and have peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation), caused by the reduction in the blood supply to the feet linked to my diabetes. I also have rheumatoid arthritis which has resulted in a reduction of muscle tone, especially in my toes. Diabetic foot care guidelines recommend inspecting your feet daily, using lukewarm and not hot water for bathing and moisturising regularly. I do all these things. But is there anything more I can do to give my feet the very best support as they continue to do their daily job?

My physiotherapist at FootBalance, explained, as she recommended me a foot assessment to understand my foot types and it’s behavior, and also explained that a good insole can make a world of difference, not just to feet affected by medical conditions such as diabetes or plantar fascilitis, but for any feet that aren’t supporting the alignment of your body adequately. Samitha told me that she has flat arches. She has been wearing custom-made insoles from FootBalance for six months and in that time her arch has heightened significantly, making her feet support her body more effectively – so much so that she’s just had another pair of insoles made.

The stand-on technology platform, called a podoscope, where my feet were assessed projects an image of your feet underneath the surface, highlighting the main pressure points. FootBalance then moulded my medical insoles on a moulding form placed on the platform. It was all delightfully quick. I am – my analysis report received later that day by email, told me – an overpronator with a low arch. It also told me that the body is a kinetic chain of interconnected parts and the feet and ankles form the foundation of the chain. FootBalance can strengthen your foundation.

As a diabetic patient at my age, it’s very important to keep the feet damage free, and FootBalance Medical custom moulded insoles are providing me that comfort, care and the extra protection I need through their world class insoles.

FootBalance medical, custom moulded insoles for Diabetes foot relieve pain

Diabetic feet are vulnerable to a number of mild to severe foot problems and require special attention and care, so as to prevent the development of major foot complications

Diabetes foot insoles or Orthotic insoles, can be very helpful in preventing excessive friction or pressure sores on the foot. This is especially common in cases of overdose. Repetition of words, or fallen arches, often leads to complete foot function, leading to friction and pressure within the shoe at certain points of the foot. It is also common to see friction on the toes, as well as between the toes. FootBalance Custom Insoles are highly recommended for a diabetic foot due to the level of custom support provided, but it is important the appropriate orthotic insoles are recommended and fitted by trained experts.

On this World Diabetes Day we like to raise awareness on Diabetes and how FootBalance can support you through our world class product to overcome Diabetic Foot issues.

Talk to us on +94 76 042 2200

November 12, 2020

By Dr. Kayathri Periasamy

With the latest wave of COVID-19 infections sweeping steadily across Sri Lanka, attention has been directed towards persons with uncontrolled, pre-existing conditions, particularly diabetes; as a sect most vulnerable to get severely ill or die because of complications caused by the virus. This has shed light on another growing concern among healthcare providers and patients, which is that patients suffering from diabetes or other chronic conditions are finding it increasingly difficult or are unable to access the medical care they require due to mandatory albeit essential curfew measures combined with a deep fear of contracting the virus in communal healthcare settings.

With a staggering 463 million adult diabetic patients present worldwide, World Diabetes Day 2020 – falling on the 14^th of November- is a critical time for diabetes support communities and healthcare advocates to rally together to create awareness about this debilitating medical condition and push for progress in the standards of care and the better management of diabetic patients during a pandemic. In Sri Lanka alone, 1 in 10 adults are approximated to suffer from the disease. It is also then vital to look at ways to help stop more people from getting this disease, particularly at a time when ‘lockdown’ lifestyles are more often than not likely to be sedentary, unhealthy and stressful; an ideal background for a diabetes diagnosis.

Why is uncontrolled diabetes such a potent accelerant for COVID-19?

A recent study conducted by Lancet on Diabetes & Endocrinology screened over 61 million medical records in the U.K. to find that 30% of COVID-19 deaths can be attributed to people with diabetes. After accounting for factors such as demography and chronic medical conditions, the risk of succumbing to the virus was shown to be about three times higher for people with Type 1 diabetes and almost twice as high for Type 2, versus those without the disease.

There appears to be two primary reasons driving this predicament. Over a lifetime, poor glucose control inflicts widespread damage in our systems which can lead to strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, eye disease, and limb amputations. The linings of blood vessels throughout the body weaken to an extent where they can’t ferry necessary nutrients adequately. Inflammation is another byproduct of poor diabetes control, which makes the body ill-prepared for the onslaught of the viral disease. Secondly, the rich environment of elevated blood glucose present in diabetic patients, makes them prone to superadded bacterial complications during the viral infection. Many diabetics also tend to have other co-morbidities such as obesity, hypertension, and heart disease, which are all factors that aggravate complications during viral illneses. These problems are seen in any infections in the setting of diabetes and not only with COVID 19. The pandemic has just highlighted the difficulties of having diabetes

What precautions can diabetic patients take?

So during this pandemic, apart from strict adherence to general COVID-19 personal safety protocols such as strict social distancing and sanitization, it is important for patients to regularly monitor their glucose levels to avoid complications caused by fluctuating blood glucose. Proper hydration is essential for good health. It is also crucial to have access to a good supply of the prescribed diabetes medications and healthy food so that patients are able to correct the situation if blood glucose levels fluctuate. Finally, sticking to a comfortable daily routine, maintaining an exercise program even within the confines of your home, reducing excessive work and having a good night’s sleep can go a long way in keeping you strong. In essence, maintaining good blood sugar levels may be their best defense against severe COVID-19.

Disruption to continuity of care for diabetes patients

A rapid assessment survey conducted by WHO among Ministries of Health across many countries, focusing on the service delivery for NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed deepening concerns that many people living with NCDs are no longer receiving appropriate treatment or access to medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The more severe the transmission phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the more NCD care services were disrupted.

With our country currently in the cluster transmission phase and heading towards the community transmission phase due to the large and distant spread of the first-line contacts, the threat to NCD care and especially routine and emergency care of diabetes patients worries us physicians. As healthcare providers, we too are torn between the dilemma of not wanting to expose our patients to unnecessary hospital visits and the need to ensure that all our patients have continued access to their healthcare team along with a steady supply of medicines and other diabetes care products such as glucometer strips and insulin. Unfortunately, the delay in visiting their healthcare provider when they have symptoms of complications has caused many people to present late to the hospital with heart attacks or infections. A delayed presentation, weakens the patient further.

This disruption to healthcare services is foreseen to be a huge dilemma for patients and healthcare providers alike, especially when it comes to the care of patients with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. In Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Health, is currently providing a number of telemedicine services and has opened avenues to deliver medicines to houses without diabetic persons having to visit crowded settings

How do we counter this?

At Healthy Life Clinic, we adhere strictly to COVID-19 safety operational health protocols established according to Ministry of Health (MOH), Epidemiology Unit. All incoming patients are screened by our nurses as soon as appointments are made over the phone, to understand the nature of their illness. If there is a worry that they could have contracted COVID-19 or have been in contact with such patients, they are given the opportunity to speak to the doctor first over the phone for a detailed history. Every patient will be consulted and no one is turned away from our care.

In order to help patients overcome barriers such as curfews or even the fear of entering communal healthcare settings, our experienced, highly-regarded team of consultants conducts telehealth consultations via established, trusted telemedicine partners such as oDoc and Mydoctor.lk to maintain continuity of care throughout this pandemic. We have also moved many of our long-standing diabetes care and weight management programs online, which have proven to be effective even in the absence of a physical meeting and examination. Additionally, our social media platforms and website are constantly updated to increase awareness about this condition, along with content that informs people about the proper management and prevention of diabetes – particularly when it is thus connected to COVID-19.

(Dr. Kayathri Periasamy is a consultant physician MBBS (UK), MRCP (UK), Board Certified in Int. Medicine (U.S.A). She is the founder of Healthy Life Clinic, Colombo 07.)

November 7, 2017

Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce in collaboration with Healthy Life Clinic will conduct an Awareness Program on Diabetes and Healthy Lifestyles in conjunction with the World Diabetes Day keeping to the theme “Women and Diabetes”

The programme serves to educate entrepreneurs, professionals and women in leadership positions who can influence and take initiative in the fight against diabetes which is currently the 8^th leading cause of global deaths and is expected to be the 5^th by 2030 according to the World Health Organization. Recent statistics by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicate that one in 12 adults in Sri Lanka suffers from diabetes which totals to an alarming 1.16 million.

Commenting on the initiative, Founder of Healthy Life Clinic, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, Dr. Kayathri Periasamy said: “We believe raising awareness among women is crucial because the fight against diabetes should start from home – if mothers can be inspired to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their families, half of the problem is solved.

“The seminar will feature an expert panel of endocrinologist, nutritionist and physicians who will share insights on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite being busy. Typically, diabetes can be prevented by implementing lifestyle modifications like maintaining a height appropriate weight, consuming a high fibre nutritious diet and engaging in physical activity; these are little changes that can make a big difference.”

Also addressed in this seminar is the fact that women have different challenges in seeking health care which may create disparity in how they are treated. Diabetes during pregnancy is another increasing problem which is unique to women. If diabetes is not controlled during pregnancy, the baby is exposed to high blood sugar levels and this can result in both the baby and the mother developing Type 2 Diabetes in the near future.

The programme will be held on November 11, Saturday, from 2.00 – 5.30pm at Hotel Ramada.

The Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists partners with Morison to address the rising challenge of diabetes

Suwa Diviya joins hands with Sri Lankan corporates to push for diabetes prevention

FootBalance Custom Insoles are highly recommended for a diabetic foot due to the level of custom support provided

COVID 19 and Diabetes: a lethal partnership? How do we overcome this?

Prevention through awareness: A special workshop on diabetes for women