11 June 2023, Mumbai: India is grappling with an escalating health crisis as the number of people affected by diabetes continues to soar, according to a comprehensive study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The findings, published in the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, reveal a staggering figure of over 101 million individuals living with diabetes in the country, compared to 70 million just four years prior.
The ICMR study, conducted over 15 years and funded by the ICMR and Health Ministry, sheds light on the extent of the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden in India. With at least 136 million people facing prediabetes and over 315 million individuals grappling with high blood pressure, the magnitude of the crisis becomes apparent.
The study involved 31 experts from different regions of India, and its results serve as a wake-up call for authorities. Dr. RM Anjana, President of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), highlights the pressing need for intervention and lifestyle changes, emphasizing that simple measures can make a significant difference in curbing the NCD epidemic.
Among the study’s alarming findings is the revelation that Goa, a popular tourist destination, harbors the highest number of diabetic patients in India. Over 26.4 percent of the state’s population battles with diabetes, sounding alarm bells for both policymakers and healthcare providers. Conversely, Uttar Pradesh has the lowest prevalence at just 4.8 percent. The study further reveals a correlation between diabetes rates and human development indicators, with states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Punjab, and Chandigarh witnessing high prevalence. The survey encompassed a massive sample size of 113,043 individuals, including both rural and urban populations. It identified that metabolic NCDs, excluding prediabetes, were more prevalent in urban areas. Additionally, states with a lower human development index demonstrated a lower ratio of diabetes to prediabetes, suggesting a need for targeted interventions based on regional variations.
Dr. V Mohan, a senior author of the study, emphasizes the importance of state-level data for policymakers to formulate evidence-based interventions. With state governments being primarily responsible for healthcare provision in their regions, this detailed information can aid in the development of strategies to halt the progression of NCDs and effectively manage their complications. The ICMR study’s findings underscore the urgent need for immediate action to tackle the diabetes crisis in India. Through a multi-faceted approach that combines awareness campaigns, lifestyle modifications, and evidence-based interventions, India can mitigate the burden of NCDs and ensure a healthier future for its population.
By Yashika Desai.