Started in 2019 | Ongoing | Gujarat Frontier
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health challenges in India, silently affecting millions of families. In rural and border areas, where access to qualified doctors and timely checkups is limited, diabetes often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late. For BSF soldiers, who already live under extreme stress and tough conditions at the border, unmanaged diabetes can become a serious risk to both health and duty.
Recognizing this urgent need, Shivam Charitable Trust launched the Defeat Diabetes Initiative in 2019, a first-of-its-kind project dedicated to free diabetes screening, consultation, and ongoing support for both BSF soldiers and rural communities.
What We Do
- Free Screenings: Organizing camps at BSF campuses, villages, and schools to test blood sugar levels.
- Online Consultations: Connecting patients to qualified diabetologists through telemedicine.
- Diet & Exercise Guidance: Personalized counseling for patients on lifestyle changes.
- Medicine Support: Providing essential medication and monitoring equipment where needed.
- Awareness Drives: Busting myths about diabetes through street plays, seminars, and workshops.
Impact in Numbers (2019–2025)
- 20,000+ people screened for diabetes.
- 5,500+ diabetic patients identified and registered under our program.
- 3,000+ BSF soldiers tested & treated, ensuring they stay fit to serve the nation.
- 8,000+ rural villagers benefited from awareness sessions and lifestyle guidance.
- 1,200+ online consultations delivered in Gujarati, Hindi, and English.
- 50+ camps conducted across Gujarat frontier regions.
Real Stories
One BSF soldier (name withheld for privacy) shared with us that he had been experiencing constant fatigue but ignored it due to his duty. At our camp, he was diagnosed with diabetes. Through regular tele-consultations and lifestyle support, his sugar levels are now under control, and he continues to serve proudly at the border. His words to us were: “Aap logon ne meri zindagi hi nahi, mera farz nibhane ki taaqat bhi bachayi hai.” (“You didn’t just save my life, you saved my strength to serve my duty.”)
Why This Matters
- Diabetes is a lifestyle disease, but early detection and management can prevent life-threatening complications.
- For BSF soldiers, staying healthy is directly linked to national security.
- For rural families, free checkups mean affordable healthcare at their doorstep.
Future Goals (2025–2030)
- Screen 1,00,000+ people across Gujarat.
- Provide continuous telemedicine support to all registered diabetic patients.
- Collaborate with research institutes to develop localized diabetes awareness models.
- Train community health volunteers to sustain diabetes care in villages.