PONDA: The president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Goa branch, Dr Shekhar Salkar said a preliminary study has revealed that five per cent of the Goan population is suffering from diabetes.

He was speaking as a chief guest at the IMA state-level continuous medical education (CME) on diabetes, organised by the IMA, Ponda branch in association with the state IMA on Sunday at Farmagudi. Doctors from all over the state were present.
Dr Salkar further said that the study has also revealed that people staying in the coastal areas and those who are regular meat eaters than vegetables are very prone to diabetes. “People from Catholic-dominated areas of Cansaulim, in Mormugao taluka and some parts of Salcette are more prone to diabetes. Because of the eating habits, it was found that people are more prone to developing diabetes while the vegetable eaters of Pernem are less prone,” Dr Salkar, a renowned cancer specialist said while speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’ here after the programme.
“Although Goa is much under control the real picture would only be revealed with a proper survey and study,” he added.
He said changes in dietary habits, lifestyles and lack of exercise have led to increase in diabetes cases in Goa and added that switching over to old eating habits would minimise the chances of it.
Dr Lalana Bakhale explained how the ‘silent killer’ -- diabetes takes toll on us. She said early diagnosis of diabetes helps to control the lipids and sugar in the body. Dr Subhash Erande spoke on the medical management of diabetes and its complications while Dr Rajkumar Palaniappan gave lectures on surgical management of diabetes including diabetic
foot. In the third session, a panel discussion by Dr Erande, Dr Palaniappan and Dr Eddie D’Mello
was held.