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India’s historical relationship with diabetes runs deep, evident in ancient texts detailing the condition known as “madhumeha.” The country’s roots in sugarcane cultivation and the discovery of crystalline cane sugar further underscore its historical association with sweetness.
Despite these historical connections, modern India grapples with a pressing health concern: diabetes. Over the last three decades, the nation has witnessed a dramatic surge in diabetes cases, mirroring its economic growth. A staggering count of 101 million people are affected by diabetes, with an additional 136 million classified as pre-diabetic.
Metropolitan areas like Delhi and Chennai report alarming statistics, estimating that two-thirds of their population develop either diabetes or pre-diabetes by the age of 60. Diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar; its long-term effects can impact various bodily functions and organs, imposing a significant burden on individuals, families, society, and the nation.
A recent ICMR-INDIAB study covering 31 states and Union Territories revealed substantial urban-rural and regional disparities in diabetes prevalence. The study demonstrated higher occurrences in metros compared to smaller cities, with villages witnessing a recent uptick in cases, largely attributed to changing dietary patterns.
Key Reasons Behind the Diabetes Surge in India:
- Genetic Predisposition: While genes remain unchanged, centuries of malnutrition and intrauterine undernutrition have led to metabolic programming. Indians tend to develop diabetes and heart disease at lower body weights due to increased fat accumulation around the abdomen and viscera.
- Dietary Shifts: Urbanization and affluence have altered dietary habits, with increased intake of refined carbohydrates. The quality of carbohydrates in the Indian diet has shifted, favoring refined flours and polished white rice, lacking essential fiber.
- Sedentary Lifestyles: Urban migration has reduced physical activity levels, particularly in jobs that demand less movement. Lack of exercise contributes significantly to rising obesity and related health issues.
- Air Pollution: India’s high pollution levels, particularly PM 2.5, have been linked to diabetes development, inducing inflammation and reducing insulin secretion.
- Stress and Sleep: Modern lifestyle stressors and insufficient sleep patterns are associated with increased diabetes prevalence.
The impact of urbanization and economic growth continues to reshape lifestyles, further fueling India’s diabetes pandemic. As the nation faces a potential escalation in diabetes cases, the call to action is urgent. Intervention strategies focused on nutrition, physical activity, pollution control, and stress management are imperative to halt this health crisis.
