CDEM marks World Thyroid Day in style

The CDEM, Centre for Diabetes Endocrinology and Cardio-metabolism have outstanding programs to mark World Thyroid Day which falls on 25 May. It’s no wonder that being the premier endocrine centre manned by leading endocrinologists and in keeping with the theme ‘Looking after Lives’ CDEM has taken an extra step to commemorate the day which is very important to them.

Thyroid disease is increasing in prevalence in the country day by day. Though there are no exact estimates it is thought to be around 2-5%. The population with type 2 diabetes has a prevalence of thyroid disease around 10-20%. Common thyroid conditions are deficiency of thyroid hormones, excessive secretion of thyroid hormones, thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. Unfortunately 50% of those with thyroid disease don’t know that they have thyroid illness. The main reason to this is the symptoms of thyroid illness remain vague for which no one sees a doctor at once. The clinical features include excessive sleepiness, weight loss or gain, constipation or diarrhoea, laziness, menstrual irregularities in women, poor school performance in children and mood changes. It is important to detect them and treat them as we can change the lifestyle, working capacity and mental wellbeing within few days. Thyroid cancer is the second most common cancer in females and early diagnosis brings 100% cure. 

CDEM offers 200 free thyroid function tests (3rd generation TSH) to those come to CDEM on 25 May. First you will be screened for features of thyroid illness by experienced doctor and you will be offered the free test which is accompanied by blood pressure and BMI monitoring. The results of TSH will be ready within two-three hours. Depending on the results you will be referred for endocrine care by the CDEM team. Consultant endocrinologists Dr. Prasad Katulanda (Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine), Dr. Manilka Sumanathilaka (Consultant Endocrinologist, NHSL), Dr. Sachith Abeyratna (Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine) will be available for further consultation.

Adding more charm and providing due services to the nation CDEM starts the first thyroid clinic in Sri Lanka. Every Friday of the week CDEM has the thyroid clinic. Those who already have thyroid illness or those with features of thyroid disease or family history can step on to CDEM, get examined by experienced doctors, blood taken and seen by endocrinologists if necessary. 

In addition to all, a public lecture by Dr. Prasad Katulanda will be held for employees of one of the famous institutions.

To increase awareness on thyroid diseases which is a burden in the country, and persuade people to get screened and treatment is the main aim of all above activities. We can see that CDEM is taking giant steps in its services though it is a young facility for healthcare in the country.