The 'Blue Index', a comprehensive health score index developed by five city-based diabetologists to evaluate and monitor the quality of medical care rendered to diabetics, has helped in significantly improving the condition of 400 such patients. Sanjeev Phatak, diabetologist, who is a part of the team of doctors that developed the health score index, told DNA that so far around 1,200 diabetic patients are currently being treated based on their Blue Index score. "We have been using the health index score since December 2017. We have found that there is a significant improvement in around 400 patients," he said. The index is based on the well-established factors which need to be regularly monitored. There are 10 parameters in the index starting from A to J, with a score of 0-5 earmarked for each parameter. These include average blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, exercise, follow-up, general health, habits, infection and its prevention and jeopardy of treatment. According to Banshi Saboo, a diabetologist, trained counsellors can check the medical reports and interact with the patient and award the score for different parameters. "When the patient meets an overburdened doctor with the scorecard, the latter knows what kind of treatment is required. The doctor can then suggest measures that need to be taken to improve the score, which will improve the overall health of the patient. The index acts as an educational tool and also creates awareness among patients." Another diabetologist, Dharmendra Panchal, said that doctors are not likely to miss any factor that affects a patient if the Blue Index is properly followed. So, when a patient with a sedentary lifestyle visits us, we are aware of the same and can give more relevant suggestions. Betterment

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