Kinkini Gupta
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Kinkini Gupta | Updated : June 13, 2023 10:28 AM IST
Diabetes alone can exhaust a 5%-25% share of an average household income. As a result, the family needs more funds for regular expenditures, which hampers the household's standard of living. This directly impacts the societal standing of the family as well.
A recent study and survey conducted by ICMR declared that 101.3 million people in India are living and breathing with diabetes. The other 136 million people have been found to be living with pre-diabetes. According to the most recent data, about 11 per cent of the population in India is diabetic. Among them, 16.4 per cent population belongs to urban India and 8.9 per cent belongs to rural India. About 15.4 per cent of the people in urban India are also in the pre-diabetic stage and in rural India, the prevalence of pre-diabetes is 15.2 per cent.
This survey conducted by ICMR is one of the largest. They have looked at 31 states and Union Territories. Along with diabetes, they also found other health problems among people, especially in people living with diabetes. 254 million people are living with obesity, 351 million with abdominal obesity to be very specific, 213 million with hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), and 185 million had high LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol.
The chairman of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) reported to agencies that the number of people living with pre-diabetes is more than the number of people living with diabetes. This is concerning because, in the near future these people may become diabetic too. This epidemic may become worse than it is right now. There has already been a huge spike in the number of cases compared to previous years and in the future it may increase even more.
According to reports, pre-diabetes cases are the highest in central and northern regions of India and lowest on Jharkhand, Punjab and the northwestern region. The survey reported that the number of diabetes cases are almost the same in both rural and urban India but with prediabetes, it is not the same number.
Aside from diabetes, the survey also found other diseases and risk factors for human health. These diseases like hypertension, obesity, is particularly high among urban Indian population. To be specific, abdominal obesity is high in almost all of India, generalized obesity is high in south, north and east India. Almost all regions of India have high cases of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterol. In contrast, hypercholesterolemia and high LDL cholesterol showed comprehensive interstate and inter-regional variability, with the highest prevalence in the northern region, Kerala, and Goa.
Dr Waseem Ahmed, Loop's in-house Physician & Diabetologist spoke to The Health Site on the topic of diabetes in India. He said, "Diabetes can be controlled and reversed with proactive holistic care. In many ways it is a metaphor for how we need to be approaching healthcare management in India - prevent first, treat if needed and that's the core of Loop's healthcare system as well Guarding against diabetes is a lifelong commitment, anchored in wise and balanced eating - considering the quantity, quality, time, and frequency."
Dr Waseem Ahmed also said, "These tips can help prevent diabetes:"
Water, our best fluid companion, works in tandem with proper nutritional supplements, fostering robust immunity. Regular health check-ups and heedful medical advice play their part. Physical activity, the unsung hero in diabetes management, complements necessary medications.
If lifestyle changes can't alone control sugar, accept medical assistance, but remember, regularity in medication, timed consumption, and never skipping doses are crucial.
Be observant of low sugar symptoms and ensure stress management. Self-monitoring - daily wellbeing, weight, exercise, and food compliance, is vital alongside regular doctor visits.
Never underestimate the power of periodic blood tests, foot and skin examinations, and vital organ function tests. Every step you take is a step away from diabetes.
