Sunday Times 2
Strong focus on diabetes
View(s):The news is chilling – diabetes is assuming epidemic proportions and Sri Lanka is one of the countries in the region that has a “very high” prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
This is while Type 1 diabetes, commonly seen among children, is also on the rise.
It is in this light that the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists, a body at the forefront of diabetes care in the country, is holding its annual scientific sessions from August 8-11 in Colombo.
Dr Niranjala Meegoda Widanege
Stressing that they consider themselves as having a pivotal role to play in preventing or delaying the progression of diabetes among the people, the President of the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists, Dr Niranjala Meegoda Widanege says that there are many factors that have contributed to the rise of Type 2 diabetes. They include a sedentary lifestyle, high consumption of fast food and other unhealthy food and a high prevalence of obesity. Genetic factors also play a major role in the development of this disease.
“Health education is a key factor in promoting good health among the people,” she says, explaining that updating knowledge among doctors on new developments in the field of endocrinology is the need of the hour.
With the goal of the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists being the dissemination of knowledge among doctors and equipping them to look after their patients better and also educate the public on diabetes and various hormone-related diseases, the theme of the sessions is ‘Endocrinology Beyond Borders, Innovations for a Healthier World’.
According to Dr Meegoda Widanege international experts from more than 10 countries including the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Germany, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Myanmar and Australia will share their knowledge with Sri Lankan doctors.
More than 1,000 local and regional doctors are expected to participate in the sessions.