Diabetes on the rise in India — Doctors

Both the experts were guest speakers at a continued medical education programme (CME) organised by the Vidarbha chapter of the API, followed by the installation of its new team of office-bearers. Dr S M Fusey took over as the new president while Dr V LGupta took over as the honorary secretary of the association.

Delivering a lecture on the topic `Challenges in the management of type II Diabetes Mellitus’, Dr Shyam Sunder mentioned that while the cases of diabetes will rise, it would be higher in developing countries, particularly in India, where the disease is expected to grow at the rate of 58 per cent. Presently the country has about 20 million diabetics. The figure is expected at a staggering 55 million by the year 2025.

What is more alarming is, Dr Shyam Sunder said, the prevalence of the disease, particularly the type II (non-insulin dependent diabetes – NIDDM) is increasing among the younger, working population, in the age group of 30-40 years. The diabetologist blamed the disproportionate rise to the sedentary life style — a fallout of adoption of western culture.

Another dangerous aspect of the disease is that it remains undiagnosed for a long period of time and the patients mostly come to the doctor at a very late stage. “About 80 percent of the patients of NIDDM remain undiagnosed in the country,” Shyam Sunder mentioned.

He spoke about the various drugs used to control the disease. He said that objective of management of the disease is not treating the symptoms, but normalisation of span and quality of life.

Shah also gave expression to apprehensions while speaking to The Indian Express, following his lecture. He mentioned that by the year 2010, India will surpass the world as regards the number of diabetic patients. He stressed that awareness has to be created about the disease, so as to prevent it. He suggested good life style, regular exercise and balanced diet as the best remedies. He also came down upon the adoption of western life style, which he said is the main cause of the disease.