Gelegphu Referral Hospital has the highest number of diabetic patients as compared to other 19 dzongkhag hospitals. This year alone, Gelegphu hospital has already registered 175 new cases, record with the hospital show.
Dr.Tapash Gurung says the steady rise of the disease is owing to the change in lifestyle and food habits. “People should watch their food habits and exercise more to reduce sugar level”
He said once you catch the disease, it is irreversible. “You have to be on medication throughout your life.” He said along with the medication, a patient will also have to monitor their eating habit and exercise regularly.
But many locals, our local correspondent spoke to, believe rice is the main source of nutrition. Changing their diet which they have consumed, ever since they remember, would be difficult, they say.
Dr.Tapash says poor food habits, such as alcohol, smoking and chewing tobacco are causes hypertension and diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition caused by the lack of hormone insulin produced by pancreas, or when the hormone is ineffective. Insulin is required to move glucose from the bloodstream into the body cells for usage or storage. Diabetes develops when this fails.
Gelephug Hospital saw 4,170 diabetic patients in 2014 of which 1,695 were female. The hospital had opened a diabetic clinic in 2009.
