DrDiabetes has emerged as a serious public health challenge globally and India now leads in both prevalence and undiagnosed cases, with 212 million people suffering from the disease and 133 million people above the age of 30 years seeking treatment. Living without. The rise in diabetes cases in India, driven by changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns and tobacco use, poses significant obstacles to achieving the World Health Organization's 2030 target of ensuring that 80% of people with diabetes are diagnosed. And 80% of them achieve glycemic control. Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't make it at all, or when your body doesn't respond properly to the effects of insulin. Diabetes affects people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong) and all forms can be managed with medications or lifestyle changes.
Glucose (sugar) comes mainly from carbohydrates in your food and beverages. It is your body's main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all the cells in your body to be used for energy. When glucose is in your bloodstream, it needs help to get to its final destinationa keythat key is insulin (a hormone). If your pancreas is not making enough insulin or your body is not using it properly, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and eye problems. The technical name of diabetes is diabetes mellitus. Another condition shares the term “diabetes”—diabetes insipidusbut they are different. They share the name “diabetes” because they both cause increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes insipidus is much rarer than diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have provided a more comprehensive assessment of diabetes prevalence by including fasting plasma glucose levels. This helps identify undiagnosed cases, especially in high burden areas such as South Asia.
The initiative, under the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke, aims to provide free screening and management services. Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers are being used to expand access to diagnostics. Telemedicine services and mobile health units are being increasingly deployed to reach underserved areas. Integration of digital health platforms supports patient tracking and followup.
National campaigns highlight lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and physical activity to reduce diabetes risk factors. With 133 million people over the age of 30 not diagnosed, there is a significant gap in early detection. Many individuals remain asymptomatic or unaware of their condition, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Unhealthy diets rich in carbohydrates and saturated fats, sedentary lifestyles, and inadequate public attention to tobacco use as a risk factor for diabetes exacerbate the problem. Tobacco use increases the risk of diabetes by 3040%, yet its association with diabetes is given little importance in public health policies.
There is a significant shortage of clinical facilities and trained health workers in rural areas. Poor integration of gestational diabetes management into maternal health services increases longterm risks for mothers and babies. High outofpocket expenses for diabetes care prevent many individuals from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment. Lack of coordinated action: Weak linkages between diagnostic services, treatment facilities and communitybased interventions hinder comprehensive diabetes management. Being diagnosed with diabetes is a lifechanging event, but it doesn't mean you can't live a happy and healthy life.
Managing diabetes requires constant care and diligence. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, over time you will gain a better understanding of how to manage this condition and become more in tune with your body. Keep visiting your healthcare provider(s) regularly. Managing diabetes requires a team effortyou'll want medical professionals, friends, and family with you.
Don't hesitate to contact them if you need help. While India has taken steps to address diabetes, the gravity of the challenge requires intensive and coordinated efforts. Scaling up diagnosis, integrating comprehensive care at the primary level, and addressing lifestyle and behavioral factors, particularly tobacco use, are critical to meeting the WHO 2030 goals.
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.