Diabetes, Once a Disease of Old Age, Now Affecting Youth: India on the Brink of Becoming the Diabetes Capital
New Delhi: Diabetes, once considered a disease associated with old age, is increasingly affecting young people, with nearly 10% of Indian youth now suffering from it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 34 million people worldwide die annually from diabetes and its related complications.
In India, around 80 million people are currently affected by diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to more than 90 million by 2030. Factors such as the consumption of fast food, lack of exercise, and excessive intake of cold drinks are contributing to the increased risk of diabetes, especially among children.
Dr. Paras Gangwal, Executive Secretary of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), which conducts research on diabetes in India, stated that given the rapid spread of diabetes, it can be predicted that India could become the “Diabetes Capital” of the world in the next two decades unless there is control over diet and lifestyle.
Dr. Gangwal explained that in 1950, urbanization in India was just 15%, but now it has increased to 35%. While this growth has led to higher incomes, it has also brought about a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to the rise of various diseases, including diabetes and heart conditions. In cities, there is also an increase in Type 1 diabetes cases among children.
On World Diabetes Day, Dr. Gangwal launched the “A to Z Campaign” during the 52nd annual meeting of RSSDI to raise awareness about preventing the disease. He emphasized the importance of controlling weight, maintaining blood pressure below 120/80, keeping post-meal sugar levels under 100 and 150, ensuring good cholesterol (HDL) above 50, and bad cholesterol (LDL) below 70. He stressed that with discipline, diseases like diabetes can be controlled, as it silently damages all the organs in the body over time. To avoid this, one should refrain from alcohol, tobacco, and fried foods.
Dr. Gangwal also highlighted that both Children’s Day and World Diabetes Day coincide today, urging parents to protect their children from falling victim to the disease at an early age. Similarly, children should take care of their parents, ensuring they take timely medication if they have diabetes and live life to the fullest.