A sweet struggle for five decades

CHENNAI: Eight persons who have survived with diabetes for 50 years and more were felicitated at Dr Mohans Diabetes Specialities Centre on Saturday evening. They are among 27 persons who managed to survive five decades with the disease, of which 14 persons are still alive. Looking at the elderly survivors being felicitated, the sentiment exuded by them was that ‘all is well’ as long as you take your medications. “And it’s ideal that you see your diabetologist once every three months,” added Dr V Mohan, Chairman, DMDSC.The felicitation was aimed at making people aware that diabetes does not mean you cannot have a long and reasonably full life. Homemaker Meera Bai Venkatasamy (60), who is now based in Bangalore, brushes away questions about a ‘special’ or ‘careful’ life. “I have been taking insulin regularly from the age of 8 and it’s part of my routine. There’s no big fuss about it,” she adds.Educationist Dr S V Chittibabu (90), who was formerly VC of both Annamalai and Madurai Kamaraj universities, has been battling diabetes since 1961. Rather admirably, for a person his age Chittibabu says that he has a complication-free existence as long as he has his tablets. Another endearing case was that of Kovai-based photographer S R V Prasanna. “I have been battling type - I diabetes from the age of 3. I honestly don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with me.”The felicitations were given out by Dr V Shantha, Chairman of the Cancer Institute, and Nawab of Arcot, Mohammed Abdul Ali. Dr Shantha emphasised the need for the government to increase the role of prevention of non-communicable diseases, among with diabetes, cancer and cardiac issues.