The prevalence of diabetes is rising rapidly. India is gradually becoming a country full of diabetic patients. Statistics indicate that almost 9% of India's population is affected by diabetes, and this percentage is likely to reach up to 11% by 2045. Among those over 45 years of age, one in every five people suffers from diabetes. Additionally, one in five individuals is at a pre-diabetic stage.
That is not all. Almost 50% of diabetic patients among Indian adults remain undiagnosed. Half of those affected do not know how to deal with the condition. On International Diabetes Day, Abbott had arranged for a special event to educate people about diabetes. The event featured Padma Shri awardee Dr Shashank Joshi, an endocrinologist and diabetologist, Dr Jeffrey Mechanic, an endocrinologist from Mount Sinai Hospital, USA, and nutritionist and scientist Dr Agnes Siew Ling Te.
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Dr Joshi said that studies have indicated India is emerging as a diabetes hotspot in the world. One of the key factors contributing to this problem involves the varied and extensive eating habits of the country. According to the doctor, India alone has over 40 different types of diets, and none of them are very healthy. Most of these diets are rich in fats and carbohydrates.
Research has shown that diets in northern and western India were particularly high in fats, while carbohydrate consumption was higher in eastern and southern India. And this, says Dr Joshi, is where the problem lies. Without adequate diet and lifestyle changes, it is impossible to overcome this disease.
Dr Jeffrey echoed similar concerns. While answering questions online, he said that a major global problem, including in India, is that many people do not take diabetes seriously. Their surveys show that medical insurance rarely covers conditions like diabetes or obesity. Many CEOs of insurance companies admitted that they have never received such claims from their clients and therefore do not even consider it. This highlights how indifferent people are toward diabetes.
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It is a very long journey to complete freedom from diabetes, but it is achievable. A conscious lifestyle is required. At the beginning, efforts should focus on averting complications, which can be achieved by a proper diet. Dr Agnes, a nutritionist, said that protein intake should be increased while reducing carbohydrates and fats. People make a mistake by believing that vegetarian diets are safer than non-vegetarian ones. There is no scientific evidence to prove this. It is the right balance that matters.
