Chennai: Diabetes, a non communicable disease (NCD) only known to exist among the elderly, is today considered a great threat to the young and old alike.
With the prevalence of the disease in the state found to be high — 15 to 18 per cent in urban areas and 6 to 8 per cent in rural areas — doctors urge the public to keep a watch on their changing lifestyle and eating habits.
According to 2015 statistics published by the International Diabetes Federation, India has nearly 70 million adults living with diabetes, with one million deaths estimated for that year alone.
With the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicting that diabetes will be the world’s seventh largest killer by 2030 with India to lead as the diabetes capital, doctors stress on the need for intense focus and joint efforts from all stake holders within the society this World Diabetes Day (Monday).
“The thought that a single disease can possibly take so many lives is in itself a matter of great concern. It is not merely the job of the doctors or the health department to work towards bringing down the burden. However, everyone has to unite to fight tooth and nail against the dreaded disease,” said a senior health official.
“India is already infamous for its diabetes statistics. It is therefore absolutely necessary for the public to do intensive lifestyle modifications, especially in the cities. It is essential that we develop healthy diet habits to prevent the disease, and screening for diabetes should begin when one hits 30 so as to prevent the disease,” said Dr Anita Suryanarayanan, Vice President, Lister Metropolis, a pathology specialist.
Despite diabetes being one of the biggest global health crises of the 21st century, it is found that more than half of those suffering from it are unaware of their disease status and receive no treatment. With the prevalence of the overweight population being nearly 20 per cent, the situation is certain to get worse.
IT, BPO professionals face greater diabetes risk
Youngsters working in IT sectors and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) are more vulnerable to get diabetes than people belonging to any other professions, dieticians say.
Getting accustomed to fast food culture and lack of physical activity are root causes behind the scenario, said consultant dietician Dr. Dharani Krishnan.
“Consuming the wrong type of fat (mostly baked and fried foods) — that causes obesity and increase trans fatty acids — is the vital reason. Intake of veggies and fruits has taken a dip in the recent times, thus increasing the risk of diabetes among youngsters,” the doctor added.
According to Food and Agricultural Organisation, the calorie input per individual has risen by a minimum of 30 percent from 1960 to 1999, informed Nihal Thomas, professor and head, Unit-I, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore.
There is a massive shift towards consuming empty calories without fibre content in the recent days. It is equally important to promote the consumption of millets among youngsters through proper marketing and adequate distribution in the public distribution system.
