World Diabetes Day: P&G Health collaborates with IMA to #KnowtheSigns Scientific Conclave

New Delhi: Ahead of World Diabetes Day 2023, P&G Health has joined hands with Indian Medical Association (IMA) for #KnowtheSigns WDD Scientific Conclave, to bring spotlight on the Signs of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and drive awareness and education amongst health care professionals on its early diagnosis and holistic management.

Simulcast to 9 cities, the conclave led by leading Neuropathy Experts and Key Opinion Leaders focused on ‘Decoding the Signs of Peripheral Neuropathy’ and was attended by more than 1000 healthcare practitioners from across the country.

Milind Thatte, Managing Director, P&G Health India stated, “As a partner to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), P&G Health is committed to continued efforts to raise awareness on Diabetes and its associated complications including Peripheral Neuropathy and Vitamin B Deficiency. An estimated 1 in 2 Diabetics and 1 in 10 Pre-diabetics are estimated to suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy, while Vitamin B Deficiency affects the quality of life of ~ 19% of all people with diabetes. A key barrier we have recognized is that pre-diabetics and diabetic patients are often unaware of their symptoms, which leads to worsening of symptoms, delay in seeking treatment and a resultant impact on quality of life.”

“We are bringing to life #KnowtheSigns through a digital consumer awareness initiative to help people understand the condition by shedding light on daily struggles and symptoms. Through #KnowtheSigns Scientific conclave, experts from across India came together to deliberate on the growing concern of PN and Vitamin B deficiency, and its diagnoses, treatment, and management. Through our #SeetheSigns Photo Exhibit, HCPs also immersed themselves in an experiential zone into the lives of Neuropathy patients to understand the impact of symptoms on their quality of life. We are also organising Nerve Health Diagnostic camps across India in coming weeks to help consumers #TestTheSigns of Peripheral Neuropathy and Vitamin B Deficiency,” Thatte added.

Dr Sharadkumar Agarwal, National President, IMA added “We are delighted to partner with P&G Health for the accreditation of #KnowtheSigns WDD Scientific Conclave 2023. Research shows that most people with Diabetes are at a risk of developing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). India being the Diabetic capital of the world, it becomes imperative to have continuous education programs to ensure we, as a community, can work towards the effective management of DPN.”

With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 being the leading cause of PN, the increasing prevalence of PN is closely linked to the rise in the number of diabetic patients. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is the result of damage to the nerves impacting quality of life of people as they are not able to go about their daily lives as comfortably.

Symptoms of PN include numbness, tingling, prickling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. B vitamin deficiency and polymedication are other high-risk factors along with diabetes, leading to peripheral nerve damage. Published studies across different countries confirm that up to 80% of patients with PN remain undiagnosed and untreated.