Chennai: In an attempt to aid women with diabetes, agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan launched the ‘Sahodaris’ initiative by Diabetes in Women Worldwide Awareness Advocacy Action Strategies (DIWWAAAS) here Saturday.
Speaking about the initiative, TAG-VHS HoD Dr Usha Sriram, said, “Sahodaris will give a comprehensive low cost diabetes care solution for women from low to very low resource settings.”
“Women with diabetes will receive completely free care for a year, at the end of which they will have a good understanding of their diabetes and be empowered about self-management and caregiving for people with diabetes,” she added.
A thorough baseline assessment of knowledge, nutrition and physical activity, adherence to medications, stress, complications, coping mechanisms and the like is done, as part of this initiative. It also includes clinical assessment suggested by diabetologists on a regular basis.
Usha Sriram further said, “Diabetes is on a rapid rise and particularly so in the lower socioeconomic groups. Women are affected differently and seriously by diabetes. When women from the lower socioeconomic group get diabetes, the consequences are serious, costly and destructive. Heart problems, stroke, cancer, fracture and depression are more common in women with diabetes. Unplanned pregnancies may lead to pregnancy loss, birth defects & still births.”
VHS honorary secretary Dr Suresh, Chennai Rotary IT City president Balajee, Sumaithangi Foundation founder Jayalakshmi were present.
Agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan, Sumaithangi Foundation founder Jayalakshmi, Chennai Rotary IT City president Balajee, VHS honorary secretary Dr Suresh and TAG-VHS Endocrinology and Diabetes research centre, HoD, Dr Usha Sriram, during the launch of ‘Sahodaris’ initiative in Chennai, Saturday.