An alarming study published in the prestigious Lancet journal on World Diabetes Day 2024 highlights a critical health issue: one-fourth of global diabetes cases are in India. This equates to around 212 million out of the 828 million adults with diabetes worldwide. The report serves as a wake-up call that necessitates immediate action and intervention.

Diabetes isn’t just an Indian problem. Other countries with high diabetic populations include:

• China: 148 million diabetics
• United States: 42 million diabetics
• Pakistan: 36 million diabetics
• Indonesia: 25 million diabetics
• Brazil: 22 million diabetics

Published on a significant health awareness day, the study reflects the growing incidence of diabetes worldwide, urging countries to take aggressive preventive measures.

Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, attributes India’s high diabetes rates to a combination of factors:

• Genetic Predisposition: South Asians have a genetic tendency to develop Type 2 diabetes at lower body mass indexes compared to Western populations. This includes a higher propensity to accumulate abdominal fat, a primary risk factor for insulin resistance.
• Lifestyle Changes: Urbanization and lifestyle shifts have led to sedentary habits paired with diets high in processed foods. Traditional diets rich in fiber and nutrients are being replaced, contributing to the diabetes surge.
• Socioeconomic Challenges: Limited access to healthcare services, especially in rural and low-income communities, often results in delayed diagnosis and management.

The researchers of the Lancet study employed two main diagnostic criteria — fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and HbA1c counts — for a comprehensive analysis. The inclusion of the HbA1c test, a three-month average blood sugar indicator, may have heightened the diabetes prevalence statistics in India.

• In 2022, without HbA1c, the prevalence was 14.4% in women and 12.2% in men, totaling 131 million.

Despite the prevalence, three out of five adults globally did not receive medication for diabetes as of 2022. In India alone, 64 million men and 69 million women lived with untreated diabetes.

The study further identified multiple global risk factors:

• Obesity: Often linked to poor dietary choices, obesity is a significant contributor to the rising diabetes rates.
• Diets: Diets low in nutritional value and high in calories exacerbate the risk, especially in cultures fond of sugary and fatty foods.
• Lack of Awareness: Many remain unaware of diabetes’ early symptoms and risk factors, delaying possible preventive measures.

In response to these findings, healthcare professionals emphasize lifestyle changes to curb the rise in diabetes:

• Dietary Adjustments: Emphasizing traditional diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help maintain healthier blood sugar levels.
• Physical Activity: Increasing daily physical activity through regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Healthcare Access: Enhancing healthcare systems to facilitate regular screenings and early diagnosis can reduce untreated cases.
• Educational Campaigns: Raising awareness about the importance of lifestyle changes is crucial for prevention.

If tackled effectively, these strategies could have a significant impact in reducing the burden of diabetes, both in India and globally.

The Lancet study is a call to action. As the prevalence of diabetes grows, especially in India, addressing genetic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors becomes more crucial. By implementing comprehensive health policies and promoting lifestyle changes, it is possible to mitigate the impact of this chronic disease. The world needs to see diabetes as a preventable condition and act collectively to ensure health for all.