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Ganpati Health Camps Find High Diabetes Risk Among Devotees

The Eyebetes Foundation has offered free health checks during the Ganpati festival since 2016.

The checks look for diabetes and eyesight problems.

The foundation says four out of every ten screened people over age 40 had diabetes or were at risk of developing it.

Among people over 60, the figure was about six out of ten.

Many people found out about their blood sugar levels for the first time at these camps.

The camps also found that about seven out of ten attendees did not have perfect 6/6 vision.

Some people may see better simply by getting the right glasses.

Early checks can help people find health problems before they become more serious.

Key facts

Screening period: Conducted during the Ganpati festival since 2016, covering 10 years of observations.
Annual reach: More than 10,000 people are screened every year.
Diabetes risk above 40: At least 40% of screened people above 40 were reported to be prediabetic or diabetic.
Diabetes risk above 60: Around 60% of screened people above 60 were reported to be prediabetic or diabetic.
Vision finding: Around 70% of attendees could not achieve 6/6 vision.
Screening methods: The camps use HbA1c, random blood sugar tests, visual assessments and non-mydriatic retinal imaging.
Expected reach this year: More than 15,000 people are expected to be screened at two Mumbai locations.

freepressjournal.in · 1 hr ago