A study conducted between 2008 and 2020 estimated that 11% of the Indian population is diabetic, with an additional 15.3% in the pre-diabetic stage.
This translates to approximately 101.3 million people with diabetes and 136 million in the pre-diabetes stage.
The rising prevalence of diabetes in India raises concerns about the need for urgent measures to address the situation and prevent further escalation of these numbers.
Proper management and prevention are crucial to avoid severe complications and improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.
Prevention should be the primary focus to prevent the onset of life-threatening complications in diabetics and to halt the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.
Public awareness campaigns are necessary to promote lifestyle modifications, regular check-ups, adherence to prescribed medications, and health-seeking behavior.
Poor control of blood sugar can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, blindness, and amputations.
Emphasizing lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and periodic testing, can help maintain acceptable blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Education on a mass scale is needed to reinforce these practices and encourage individuals to seek healthcare and adhere to recommended treatments.
Prevalence in rural areas is currently lower than in urban areas (8.9% vs. 16.4%), presenting an opportunity for prevention.
As traditional lifestyles give way to modern practices, promoting healthy habits, such as balanced nutrition and physical activity, becomes essential.
Implementing periodic epidemiological screening programs is crucial to identify new cases of diabetes and provide timely interventions.
Contrary to expectations, high diabetes prevalence was found not only in metro cities but also in 2-3 tier cities and rural areas.
Kerala, known for better social development indicators, witnessed higher prevalence in rural areas, highlighting the need for vigilance during progress.
The northeastern states of Tripura and Sikkim exhibited unexpected prevalence rates, attributed to factors such as ethnic composition and socio-economic indicators.
Wa forward
Conducting cross-sectional studies to determine the actual incidence of diabetes and assess the progression and complications in diagnosed individuals.
Including previously uncovered regions, islands, and Union Territories in future studies to ensure comprehensive data collection.
Exploring public-private partnerships to engage the larger community in detecting and treating diabetes through collaborative efforts.
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