Kids swim across Krishna to highlight paediatric diabetes

Vijayawada: Scores of swimmers, including child trainees of AWARA Swim and Rescue Academy, swam across the entire width of River Krishna on the dawn of Christmas on Sunday in solidarity with diabetic children in Vijayawada.

Diabetes Care Leaders of Vijayawada organised the event at the Krishna River to make parents and family members of Paediatric Type 2 Diabetes children aware of the disease.

The event was flagged off by frontier diabetes research scientist and retired professor from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences Dr. P. Vishnupriya Rao. He pointed out that diabetes is rising within Indian children at an alarming rate due to emerging obesity. Terming this Paediatric Type 2 Diabetes, Dr. Vishnupriya Rao said it is a more harmful disease than diabetes occurring in adults. This is because children with diabetes are more prone to heart and kidney problems at an early stage.

The diabetes research scientist pointed out that Amaravati Walkers and Runners Association (AWARA) has been a national pioneer of health activities on Krishna River banks in Vijayawada for over a decade. He said AWARA is extending its services to young people with diabetes, obesity and those who have known risk factors.

Environmentalist and AWARA founder Prof. Ajay Katragadda explained how regular exercises can make a difference for all children, more so diabetics. He underlined that swimming is the best of all physical activities available to children. Where facilities for swimming are not available, brisk walking, running and cycling are the other options for children, he stated.