The aim of the project is to implement prevention of diabetes at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in a rural area of Tamil Nadu, India.
Expected impact
Approximately 200,000 rural people educated in diabetes and other non-communicable diseases
50,000 persons screened for diabetes
3,000 people with diabetes screened for diabetes complications
50 health workers trained to become diabetes educators
A model for prevention of diabetes will be developed in this project
Results to date
The Telemedicine van has been successfully used for all screenings and video conferencing activities as well as for treatment of diabetes and it complications in all 42 villages comprising the project area.
20,777 people above the age of 20 have been screened for diabetes in the 42 villages, corresponding to 79% of the targeted population. An additional 1,518 people in villages outside the project area have been screened.
1,323 patients have undergone retinal photography and been given tele-consultation by the ophthalmologist from the main centre. 226 were identified with diabetic retinopathy. 48 have been given laser treatment and the remaining patients are being counselled for laser therapy.
Since its inception in 2007, the centre at Chunampet has registered and treated 3,036 patients for complications due to diabetes (eye, feet, kidney and heart). The centre has also provided consultations to 4,678 patients who have come for review treatment.
A village health worker and a community health worker from each village have been selected and trained in various aspects of diabetes and its complications. The health workers work closely in the communities to collect health data from the population.
Messages about simple and practical life style modifications, diabetes and its complications, risk factors and self care are conveyed through awareness lectures in Tamil organised by health workers or by group events such as skits and puppet shows. At the end of each session, handouts containing tips for diabetes prevention given to the participants.
The new diabetes hospital building at Chunampet is almost ready and will have 2 rooms for consultant diabetologists and 1 room for an ophthalmologist.
Additional information on the project can be found here.
