Indian Home To 10 Cr Diabetic Patients, Says ICMR Study

Bhubaneswar, June 10: More than 10 crore Indians are reported to be ailing from Diabetes, said a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), raising alarm bell among the medical fraternity. 

The study, published in the Lancet Journal of Diabetes and Endocrinology, also said that over 11 crore Indians are pre-diabetic. It is a health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

India has long been considered the diabetes capital of the world but the recent figures do shed more light on this disturbing trend and the need to make people across age groups aware of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, said medical experts after the report was published.

The ICMR study covered more than 1.13 lakh people spread across the length and breadth of the country.

States most affected by diabetes:

Goa, Puducherry, Kerala, Chandigarh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Sikkim - 12.8, Punjab, and Haryana.

Dr. Kranti Shreesh Khadilkar, Consultant Endocrinology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Narayana Health City, Bangalore spoke about the causes and the cure.

What causes diabetes?

Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, obesity, stress, and genetic predispositions play significant roles. To safeguard our health and mitigate the risk of diabetes. 

Ways to safeguard against diabetes: 

1. Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or exercise routines to maintain a healthy weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
2. Adopting a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential.
3. Limiting the intake of sugary beverages and processed foods is equally important.
4. Managing stress levels, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are additional measures that can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes.