Context:
On International Diabetes Day (November 14), a paper published in The Lancet, based on a global study, recorded over 800 million adults living with diabetes, with more than half not receiving treatment. According to the study, the total number of adults living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in the world has surpassed 800 million — over four times the total number in 1990. Of this, over a quarter (212 million) live in India, with another 148 million in China. The estimate came as a bit of a shock, because the last scientific countrywide estimate by the Indian Council of Medical Research-INDIAB study last year had pegged the number at slightly over 100 million.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is Diabetes?
- Key Issues & Discrepancies in Diabetes Studies
- Major Concerns in India’s Diabetes Epidemic
- Strategies for Mitigating Diabetes Impact
- Role of Individual Actions
- Government Interventions
- Conclusion
What is Diabetes?
- Chronic Disease: Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, resulting from the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin or the body’s ineffective use of the insulin it produces.
- Role of Insulin: Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.
- Consequences of Insufficient Insulin: Inadequate insulin production or utilization leads to hyperglycemia, or high glucose levels in the blood, which can cause long-term damage to various organs and tissues.
- Health Complications: Diabetes is associated with severe health complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.
Different Types of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production.
- It affects about 10 percent of people with diabetes, and the exact cause of this autoimmune attack is unclear.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to the accumulation of sugar in the blood.
- It is influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity.
Pre-diabetes:
- Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
- It serves as a warning sign for the development of diabetes if lifestyle changes are not made.
Gestational Diabetes:
- Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar levels that occur during pregnancy.
- Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes, which usually resolves after childbirth.
Key Issues & Discrepancies in Diabetes Studies
Testing Methodologies
- Lancet Study: Utilized HbA1C (glycated haemoglobin) values, recognized globally for diagnosing diabetes.
- ICMR Study: Employed fasting and post-prandial glucose tests, typically showing lower diabetes prevalence.
- Impact of HbA1C: This method may inflate diabetes statistics due to age and anemia affecting results.
Variability in Data Sources
- Data Collection: Differences stem from varied data sources and methodologies across studies, influencing outcomes and interpretations.
Major Concerns in India’s Diabetes Epidemic
Increasing Prevalence
- Factors: Urbanization, dietary changes, and rising obesity levels contribute to growing diabetes cases.
- Health Risks: Diabetes heightens the risk of severe health issues, including heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.
Treatment Inequity
- Access Issues: Diabetes care is disproportionately limited in low- and middle-income areas.
- Healthcare Strain: Without effective intervention, the burden on healthcare systems could overwhelm resources.
Strategies for Mitigating Diabetes Impact
Prevention Initiatives
- Public Awareness: Campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyles and diet choices.
- Regulatory Measures: Legislation to limit sugary drinks and unhealthy foods.
- Targeted Interventions: Tackling abdominal obesity, particularly prevalent in Indian populations.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
- Education for Women: Focus on dietary and lifestyle adjustments post-pregnancy and during menopause.
- Improved Healthcare Access: Enhancing medical facilities in underserved areas.
Role of Individual Actions
Lifestyle Modifications
- Mindful Eating and Activity: Encouraging regular exercise and thoughtful dietary habits.
- Obesity Reduction: Emphasis on balanced diets and portion control.
Dietary Awareness
- Education on Diet Impact: Understanding the role of diet in escalating diabetes prevalence.
Government Interventions
Policy and Infrastructure
- Nutritional Policies: Making healthy foods more accessible and affordable, including subsidizing nutritious options.
- Development of Public Amenities: Building parks, fitness centers, and promoting pedestrian-friendly urban spaces.
Conclusion
- Collaborative Approach: Addressing India’s diabetes challenge requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society.
- Prevention Focus: Emphasizing preventive measures to curb the spread and impact of diabetes is crucial for sustainable health outcomes.
-Source: The Hindu
