Extensive study on prevalence of diabetes to start soon

A statewide study of diabetes prevalence across Gujarat will start in January 2010 as part of the nationwide exercise by the Indian Council of Medical Research.

A statewide study of diabetes prevalence across Gujarat will start in January 2010 as part of the nationwide exercise by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

While this will be the first extensive study covering 5,000 families across the state after the one in 1970s,the initial results of a study in Tamil Nadu hints at the southern state emerging as the diabetes capital of the world,which used to be Gujarat earlier.

The massive exercise engaging doctors,paramedics,pathologists and data collection experts will start soon. It is expected to take over two to three months.

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As of now,the study data in Tamil Nadu has been compiled,but the result has not been declared. The Gujarat coordinator for the project,Dr Bansi Saboo,said,According to the unpublished results of the study,instances of diabetes is higher in Tamil Nadu than Gujarat. However,it may change after the completion of the new study.

He added: Collection of data from a cross-section of the society is going to be a difficult exercise as it is necessary to collect it from all members of a family to avoid a lopsided representation. Unless all family members of a family are convinced and give a written confirmation,sample collection can be a problem.

While the exact budget allocated for the state is not yet known,the recruitment of staff members for the purpose will be done by the ICMR.

All samples will be sent to a central laboratory for testing in order to maintain uniformity in the methodology.

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