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NEW DELHI, July 29: In a strong appeal to combat the growing burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among India’s youth, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh—himself a renowned Diabetologist and senior Patron of the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI)—called for a mass prevention campaign during the organization’s Foundation Day ceremony. The event, themed “RSSDI – Past, Present and Future,” was held at the India International Centre in Delhi, marking 53 years since the founding of the RSSDI.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of all past RSSDI Presidents and senior patrons from across the country, Dr. Singh countered prevailing myths and disinformation about diabetes and metabolic disorders. He voiced concern over India retaining the “Diabetes Capital of the World” label, highlighting that one in three Indians suffers from some form of metabolic dysfunction.
Reinforcing the national vision for health articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Singh reiterated the target of reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—especially those linked to fatty liver, visceral fat, and obesity—by 10%. He emphasized the necessity for public health communications in India to expand beyond academic circles and reach ordinary citizens, advocating for evidence-based health awareness. “Treat Diabetes before it Occurs–Prevention better than cure,” he stressed.
Paying tribute to the late Prof. Dr. M.M. Ahuja, the first RSSDI President, Dr. Singh noted how early RSSDI publications retain their academic significance today. He lauded the society’s evolution from an exclusive academic body to a key player in shaping national dialogue on diabetes prevention and management.
Significantly, Dr. Singh spotlighted a landmark study from the Indian Prevention of Diabetes Study (IPDS) led by Prof. S.V. Madhu, which demonstrates yoga’s effectiveness in preventing diabetes. The study findings have already been submitted to the Ministry of Health for further consideration.
Dr. Singh called for an institutionalized national approach to diabetes prevention, urging that research results be translated into widely accessible public health benefits, especially for high-risk groups. He also debunked common misbeliefs about diabetes management—such as advocating only “one meal a day”—and championed a more scientific understanding of nutrition.
The meeting, coordinated by Prof. S.V. Madhu and attended by RSSDI leaders including President Dr. Vijay Viswanathan and Secretary Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, reviewed the organization’s five-decade journey from a 20-member group to a globally recognized authority in diabetes science. Participants discussed strategic directions for the future, underscoring a collective ambition to shape an effective, socially rooted national response to diabetes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official Press Information Bureau release and summaries from the RSSDI Foundation Day event. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for medical advice and refer to official government or scientific publications for policy updates and recommendations.
