• The average HbA1c level – the best indicator of a patient’s long-term blood sugar control, stood at 8.23% for people living with diabetes in Mumbai.
• The risk of fatal outcome and severe health complications from COVID-19 is up to 50% higher in people with diabetes.
• 12900 people with an average age of 57 years were part of the analysis in the city, out of which 78% were male and 22% were female.

26^th November 2020, Mumbai: In the run-up to World Diabetes Day, the Novo Nordisk Education Foundation had unveiled the second-year report of its Impact India: 1000-Day Challenge’ programme. The programme was launched two years ago to address the issue of sub optimally controlled diabetes in India. According to the report, the average HbA1c level in Mumbai was recorded at 8.23% in September 2020.

Though the average HbA1c level has decreased marginally compared to last year’s figures, the overall high HbA1c levels is still a matter of deep concern especially in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic which puts people with uncontrolled diabetes at a higher risk of a fatal outcome and serious health complications. HbA1c is the best recommended indicator of long-term blood sugar control and gives an average blood sugar control over the preceding three months. 12900 people with an average age of 57 years were part of the analysis in the city, out of which 78% were male and 22% were female.

Speaking about the report, Dr Manoj Chadha, Consultant Endocrinologist, P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai  said, “The receding level of HbA1c in Mumbai indicates that irrespective of the COVID-19 pandemic and the doctor unavailability, people with diabetes are taking care of their health within the confines of their residences. They should continue doing so, since the risk of fatal outcome and adverse health complications from COVID-19 is up to 50% higher among people living with diabetics. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep the glucose level well monitored because uncontrolled diabetes can cause organ failures as well.”

With the existing pandemic situation with COVID-19, people with diabetes should keep an adequate stock of medications and supplies for monitoring blood glucose at home. If symptoms like difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, fever, dry cough, tiredness, aches and pains, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell are experienced, immediate medical attention should be sought.^[1]

IDCI is a part of the ‘Impact India: 1000-Day Challenge’ programme by Novo Nordisk Education Foundation and serves as a guiding tool for the status of diabetes care across India. iDCI was introduced in 2018 as part of the programme to monitor the diabetes care status in the country. Based on big data analytics, iDCI has been providing a real-time view of the average HbA1c in India, a key indicator of the state of diabetes control across select cities.

At present, more than 77 million people are living with diabetes in India. Under the IMPACT India programme, digital platforms are being leveraged to partner with practitioners (doctors and paramedics) to evolve and implement an approach to diabetes care appropriate to India. iDCI is a dynamic tool that not only tracks the status of diabetes care but also helps to increase awareness, motivate and sensitize healthcare professionals (HCPs) and society. The last two years of the programme have seen significant contributions from HCPs and people living with diabetes from across the country. There has been an improving trend in the iDCI results every quarter, and this would lead to a reduction in the future burden of diabetes-related complications in India.

For more information visit:  Novo Nordisk Education Foundation – nnef.in

The post India Diabetes Care Index – the average diabetes control level continues to decrease in Mumbai    appeared first on Health Vision.

• The average HbA1C level – the best indicator of a patient’s long-term blood sugar control, stood at 8.48% , registering a marginal improvement over the last year
• Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Jaipur have shown a dip in HbA1c levels in the last two years
• People with diabetes are at up to 50% higher risk of a fatal outcome and severe health complications due to COVID-19

06 November 2020, New Delhi: In the run-up to World Diabetes Day, the Novo Nordisk Education Foundation today unveiled the second-year report of its Impact India: 1000-Day Challenge’ programme. The program was launched two years ago with an ambition of reducing the HbA1c levels of people with diabetes in India by 1% over the next 1000 days, thereby reducing the risk of complications and the economic burden associated with diabetes. Encouraged by the government’s ground-breaking health care initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the availability of real-time data from digital platforms, this programme further strengthens Novo Nordisk’s belief that it is now possible to fight the battle against diabetes.

According to the report, the average HbA1c level of the country was recorded at 8.48% from October 2019 to September 2020. Though the average HbA1C level has decreased marginally compared to last year’s figures, the prevailing high HbA1c levels is a matter of deep concern especially in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic which puts people with uncontrolled diabetes at a higher risk of a fatal outcome and serious health complications. The data collection exercise for the iDCI was conducted across 30 Indian cities. The average respondent age was 55 years, of which 57% were males and 43% female.

At present, more than 77 million people are living with diabetes in India and country’s annual spend is approximately INR 64,500 crores on diabetes related healthcare which is further expected to increase if diabetes is not controlled. HbA1c is the best recommended indicator of long-term blood sugar control and gives average blood sugar control for 3 months.

The second-year report was launched in the presence of  Mr Vikrant Shrotriya, Trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, Prof. Dr A.K. Das, Professor of Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry and Patron of the Impact India programme, Shri Sachin Kumar Singh, CEO, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India and H.E. Freddy Svane, the Danish Ambassador in India.

Amidst these COVID-19 pandemic times, a few cities have shown a drop in their HbA1c levels from Jan-June 2018 to July-Sep 2020. These include Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Jaipur but the majority of Indian cities have seen an upsurge in HbA1c levels.

• In South India, Hyderabad HbA1c levels have dropped from 8.64% to 8.02 % (down by 0.62%) in 24 months.
• In the East,Kolkata registered a drop from 8.24% to 7.96% (down by 0.28%) in the same period.
• Jaipur in North India has notched a dipfrom 8.30% to 8.01% (down by 0.29%) in the same period.

Speaking about the programme, Dr A.K. Das, Professor of Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences and Patron of the IMPACT India programme, shared, “For the last two years, Impact India  has striven to create awareness on the ‘Indian Reality’ of diabetes management. We have created a scientific framework as a part of our train-the-trainer approach through which 3311 doctors have been reached via 180 Impact Workshops across 150+ cities so far. We are hopeful that the programme will continue to empower thousands of Indians on successful diabetes management.”

 Mr Vikrant Shrotriya, Trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, said, “We have worked towards managing diabetes for nearly 100 years at Novo Nordisk. The “Impact India: 1000-Day Challenge” Programme is a unique initiative focused at educating and improving the lives of people with diabetes  We believe that our real competition is with the uncontrolled growth in diabetes, lack of awareness, and restricted access to medicines. So, we will continue partnering with stakeholders including healthcare professionals, professional associations, and government bodies to overcome these obstacles. We are happy that cities like Hyderabad, Jaipur and Kolkata are showing a decline in their HbA1c levels over the last two years, and are hopeful that by next year, many more Indian cities will report similar dips.”

Mr Sachin Kumar Singh, IRS, CEO of BPPI, Department of Pharmaceuticals advised that “The Government of India has made adequate provisions for all known/ diagnosed people with diabetes to receive a regular supply of prescribed medicines. The data generated under the IMPACT India programme will be useful in identifying the trend in HbA1c levels across major cities in India.  We congratulate Novo Nordisk Education Foundation for developing a tool through which policymakers and doctors can analyze the trends and accordingly prepare the right medical approach and policies for people living with diabetes. “

H.E. Freddy Svane, Ambassador of Denmark to India, mentioned, “Novo Nordisk Education Foundation has been doing an admirable work in the field of diabetes awareness in India.  I congratulate everyone who has contributed towards the “Impact India: The 1000-Day Challenge” Programme, second year running. The positive difference that this programme has made in the lives of people living with diabetes in India is commendable.”

Former Indian Cricketer and Brand Ambassador, Novo Nordisk India, Anil Kumble said, “As a sportsperson, I have learned that a healthy exercise routine goes a long way in staying physically and mentally fit. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to stay home for prolonged periods of time, barring us from performing outdoor sports or other exercises. However, indoor exercises are as beneficial as their outdoor counterparts. Practices like Yoga, Pilates and brisk walking are useful in keeping blood glucose levels down in people with diabetes. The iDCI findings concretely demonstrate that diabetes can be controlled even under a lockdown if people with diabetes are to follow a balanced exercise regimen.”

Dr. Banshi Saboo, President, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) informed, “The high level of HbA1c in people with diabetes is deeply concerning. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic influence on the physical and mental wellbeing of people. Under such a scenario, staying fit through physical exercises becomes critical for effective management of diabetes. In our pursuit to encourage people to stay healthy, we have partnered with Novo Nordisk to bring the second edition of Pedals Changing Diabetes. The 5K Virtual Run & Cyclothon urges people to take up running or cycling as a fun way to keep fit and manage their diabetes. We look forward to participation from people across the country in the Pedals Changing Diabetes programme as this will help in raising awareness around the disease and its management.”

iDCI (Indian Diabetes Care Index) was introduced in the year 2018 as part of the programme to improve diabetes care in the country. Based on big data analytics, iDCI has been providing a real-time view of the average HbA1c in India, a key indicator of the state of diabetes control across select cities.  Under the Impact India programme, digital platforms are also being leveraged to partner with practitioners (doctors and paramedics) to evolve and implement an approach to diabetes care appropriate to India. iDCI is a dynamic tool that not only tracks the status of diabetes care but also helps to increase awareness, motivate, and sensitize healthcare professionals (HCPs) and society towards better diabetes management.

The last two years of the programme has seen significant contributions from healthcare practitioners (HCPs), and people living with diabetes from across the country. There has been an improving trend in the iDCI results since its inception, and this will lead to a reduction in the future burden of diabetes-related complications in India.

 (HbA1C levels recorded Between July-September 2020)

About Novo Nordisk Education Foundation 

The Novo Nordisk Education Foundation (NNEF) was founded in 1997 with a mission to “enhance healthcare through awareness and education” NNEF drives several projects including the Changing Diabetes^® Barometer, Changing Diabetes^® in Children programmes and World Diabetes Day awareness activities in partnership with state governments and other key stakeholders. As a result of these efforts, more than 750,000 people have been reached; nearly 4000 doctors and paramedics have been trained and over 100 community diabetes centres have been established. Under the Changing Diabetes^® in Children programme, more than 4000 children have been receiving free treatment and care since 2011. Taking the commitment to care further, NNEF launched “IMPACT India”, an India specific solution-oriented programme on the eve of World Diabetes Day in 2018 with an ambition to reduce the average HbA1c of the country by 1% over a three-year period.

  For more information visit: nnef.in 

The post Novo Nordisk Education Foundation unveils second-year report of Impact India: 1000-day Challenge  appeared first on Health Vision.

Bengaluru: The latest findings of India Diabetes Care Index unveiled that the average HbA1c level decreased to 8.27 from 8.39 during October to December 2019 as compared to the preceding quarter in Bengaluru. The overall HbA1c level decreased to 8.37 from 8.52 as compared to the preceding quarter in the country.

The average postprandial glucose level, i.e. the average ‘post-meal’ glucose level was recorded at an alarmingly high 245.48 mg/dL. The uncontrolled diabetes is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) by 2 to 4 times. The India Diabetes Care Index, a part of the ‘Impact India: 1000-Day Challenge’ programme by Novo Nordisk Education Foundation studies the blood glucose levels across cities through various parameters.

Speaking about the status of diabetes control in Bangalore, Dr Mohan Badagandi  Endocrinologist  & Diabetologist Manipal Hospital Bangalore says, “While it is good to know that the HbA1c levels have marginally decreased in the city, the average high ‘post-meal’ glucose level is a matter of great concern.Blood glucose levels after a meal rise mainly because people consume high carbohydrate content in their diet. This post-meal spike in blood glucose level increases the chances of cardiovascular disease and death. Post prandial blood glucose values lead to other biochemical changes in LDL, triglycerides, platelets and increased thickness blood. So, post-meal glucose levels should be measured and corrected, and it will go a long way in decreasing cardiovascular residual risk. This can be done through a combination of right diet, exercise and appropriate treatment.”

India has more than 77 million people living with diabetes which leads to nearly 7.09 million cases of diabetes related heart disease.The HbA1c test indicates the average blood glucose level over a period of 3 months and is considered as one of the best recommended indicators of long-term blood glucose control. Nearly 1800 people with an average age of 53 years were part of the assessment in Bangalore, out of which 53% were male and 47% were female. These patients are at a higher risk of developing complications involving heart, kidney, eyes besides many others if their diabetes is not managed well. It should be noted that 1% reduction in HbA1c can reduce the risk of heart failure by 16% and the risk of heart attack by 14%.

Talking about programme, Dr. Anil Shinde, Trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation said, “Monitoring the glucose level is an important pillar in diabetes management. The India Diabetes Care index studies the status of diabetes through multiple parameters in various cities which eventually helps to understand the requirements in specific regions while enabling doctors as well as patients to take appropriate steps. Overall, we aim to raise greater awareness around diabetes care in the society through this programme.”

The ‘Impact India: 1000-Day Challenge’ programme was launched in 2018 to address the issue of sub optimally controlled diabetes in India. The ambition of the programme is to reduce the national average of HbA1c by 1%, which can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications significantly in India.  iDCI^® (Indian Diabetes Care Index) was introduced in 2018 as a part of the programme to improve diabetes care in the country.

Based on big data analytics, iDCI^® has been providing a real-time view of the average HbA1c in India across select cities. Under the Impact India programme, digital platforms are being leveraged to partner with healthcare practitioners (doctors and paramedics) to evolve and implement an approach to diabetes care appropriate for India. iDCI^® is a dynamic tool that not only tracks the status of diabetes care but also helps to increase awareness, motivate and sensitise the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and society.The IMPACT India programme will continue its three-pronged approach over the next two years through interactions with healthcare practitioners (HCPs), societal/patient engagement and monitoring.

For more information visit: nnef.in

The post  HbA1c level has decreased in Bengaluru appeared first on Health Vision.