80 million people by 2030, and 69.9 million by 2025. Sure sounds like promising growth. not before you understand what those statistics mean. The figures above are an estimate based on surveys of persons in India who have diabetes.
According to a collaborative study by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there would be 69.9 million cases of diabetes in India by 2025. Did you know that the majority of them go undiagnosed, which is the survey’s most intriguing finding?
India’s rate of diabetes prevalence
Indians with diabetes: It is estimated that 77 million Indians live with diabetes. Therefore, in India, one in ten adults has diabetes. One-half of people with high blood sugar levels are not aware of it. Only 50% of people with diabetes, even those with a diagnosis, have their blood sugar under control.
Rapid growth in the younger population: According to an ICMR analysis, diabetes prevalence in India has risen by 64% in the last 25 years. Prevalence has risen by more than 10% among the younger population as well.
Children affected more: It is concerning to note that diabetes affects a significant percentage of children in India. Because of the shift in diet to include more processed and fast foods, children are developing obesity and metabolic syndrome at an earlier age.
According to forecasts from the International Diabetes Federation and the Global Burden of Disease project, 98 million Indians may develop diabetes by 2030.
Children affected more: It is concerning to note that diabetes affects a significant percentage of children in India. Because of the shift in diet to include more processed and fast foods, children are developing obesity and metabolic syndrome at an earlier age.
Why is India the world’s diabetes capital?
Due to the great incidence of the condition there, India is frequently referred to as the “diabetes capital of the world.” Several justifications for this include:
Genetics: According to studies, people of Indian heritage are more likely to have specific genetic variants, which may raise their chance of acquiring diabetes.
Diet: Diabetes may develop as a result of the traditional Indian diet’s high carbohydrate and fat intake.
India has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, which is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes.
Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles are common among Indians, which can lead to weight gain and raise the risk of acquiring diabetes.
Urbanization: India’s rapid urbanisation has resulted in dietary and lifestyle changes that may raise the risk of developing diabetes.
Socioeconomic position and cultural factors: These variables have an impact on diabetes and its consequences.
Lack of knowledge of diabetes and its risk factors might make it more challenging to treat and prevent the condition. Many Indians are unaware of the risk factors for diabetes.
Limited access to healthcare: Diabetes prevention and management may be more challenging for many Indians because they lack access to high-quality healthcare and diabetes education.
India’s enormous, quickly expanding, and aging population are other factors that may play a role in the high prevalence of diabetes there.
It’s crucial to remember that these factors are interconnected and have an impact on one another, and that both government and non-governmental groups are making a variety of measures to control and prevent diabetes in India.
Why Do Indians Suffer From Diabetes More Often?
Indians may have a higher risk of developing diabetes for a variety of causes. Genetics is a significant factor. According to studies, people of Indian heritage are more likely to have specific genetic variants, which may raise their chance of acquiring diabetes. Additionally, dietary and cultural factors are important. Diabetes can be exacerbated by the typical Indian cuisine, which is high in fats and carbohydrates. Additionally, obesity and physical inactivity, both of which are significant risk factors for diabetes, are more common among Indians.
Methods for Managing India’s Growing Diabetes
Aggressive screening techniques: The protection of the population as a whole, starting with women and children, must be given first priority for Indians. Aggressive screening techniques can be used to accomplish this. “Anyone over the age of 18 who has a certain risk factor, such as a family history, excessive weight, or young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), should be checked. Screenings for all Indians over 30 are necessary.
Correct treatment and prompt diagnosis: According to medical professionals, prompt treatment and prompt detection can significantly improve a patient’s ability to lead a normal life.
Children’s diet recommendations: Doctors advise a strict eating regimen for kids. “The only choice that is still available is nutritious food. Train young people’s palates and restrict their availability to fast food. Healthy fruits and vegetables can be made affordable and available to everyone as an alternative to plain carbs through supportive legislative initiatives. The mid-day meal, or tiffin, should be considered carefully and made healthful.
While endorsing the 30-minute daily exercise and activity routine, the statement “The general drop in physical activity has had disastrous repercussions on our metabolism” sounds a note of caution. Recent scientific research indicates that even a five-minute stroll offers some protection after any meal.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle: Diabetes can be initially controlled even though it is a chronic medical condition. Reduce stress, sleep on time and for at least seven hours each night, keep a healthy body weight, engage in regular physical activity, quit smoking, use alcohol in moderation, and seek early treatment for any underlying or co-morbid health conditions, such as hypertension.
Visits to the doctor on a regular basis are crucial for monitoring sugar management and assessing and preventing disease-related problems.
Conclusion
Thus, it is evident that the diabetes epidemic in India may be the result of significant hereditary factors, urbanization, and lifestyle changes that cause insulin resistance. The Asian Indian phenotype, which is characterized by greater rates of central obesity and increased visceral fat, may be a contributing cause for increased insulin resistance. There is now enough data to demonstrate that many of the environmental factors negatively influencing glucose intolerance can be changed by altering one’s lifestyle.
Measures to encourage physical activity, programmes to minimize obesity in adults and children, and initiatives to promote healthy prenatal and newborn growth are all necessary for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. Given that Indians seem to be more insulin resistant in general, it would be wise to promote a healthy lifestyle across all age groups and geographic areas, maintain traditional foods high in fiber, and potentially adopt stress-reduction techniques like yoga or other methods. To combat the epidemic of diabetes and lessen the burden caused by the disease in India, such an initiative is urgently required.
