Diabetes Screening In India: A Family's Global Efforts

Diabetes is an issue worldwide.  The incidence is high in the Asian Indian population.  Many people in India do not have access to basic health care.  A screening of approximately 350 people in Bangalore and Devanahalli, India was undertaken by a family using blood glucose testing and The American Diabetes Screening Tool.  The screening was done with the help of the nursing staff of the Baptist Hospital.  The equipment used for the screening was donated by various groups and the efforts of a Sigma Theta Tau chapter.  Identification of people at risk and basic education on diet and exercise was conducted over a three day period.  Persons with a blood sugar reading over 140 and a score of 5 or higher on the risk test were counseled by the staff of the Baptist Hospital.  Individuals that were identified to be at risk with higher blood glucose levels were immediately seen by an endocrinologist for further testing and treatment.  All individuals were given information on the benefits of diet control, exercise and the signs and symptoms of diabetes.  It is the intent of the presenter to continue these efforts and to identify grants to extend the testing and treatment.