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World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day

Lancet study says that India accounts for over a quarter of global diabetes cases, with approximately 21.2 crore people affected.

Diabetes

About: Diabetes is a Non-Communicable chronic disease where the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.

Types of Diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmunity/antibodies attack the pancreas leading to destruction of insulin- producing beta cells.
    • This causes insufficient insulin production.
    • Requires daily insulin administration.
    • The exact cause is unknown, and there are no known preventive measures.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Caused by a combination of resistance to insulin and insulin deficiency.
    • The body becomes unable to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar if untreated.
    • It is often preventable.
    • Contributing factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, and genetics.
  • Gestational diabetes: It is a form of high blood sugar affecting pregnant women who didn’t have diabetes before.
    • It usually appears in the second trimester and requires careful monitoring and management to avoid its progression into Type 2 Diabetes.

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Key Findings of the Study

  • Global Diabetes Prevalence: An estimated 82.8 crore people globally had diabetes in 2022, marking a more than fourfold increase since 1990.
    • Other countries with high diabetes rates include China (14.8 crore), the U.S. (4.2 crore), Pakistan (3.6 crore), and Brazil (2.2 crore).
    • The highest increases have occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Untreated Diabetes Burden: Stagnation in diabetes treatment rates in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) has left 44.5 crore adults with diabetes untreated globally.
  • India’s Specific:
    • Nearly one-third of untreated diabetes cases worldwide (13.3 crore adults) reside in India.
  • Challenges with Untreated Diabetes: Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to severe complications like diabetic retinopathy, a condition causing vision loss due to retinal damage.

Study on Diabetes in India

  • The SMART India study is a statistical and economic modeling study on a cross-sectional and prospectively recruited participants from community-based screening in order to accurately identify people at risk of diabetes, pre-diabetes and complications of diabetes in India.
  • Sample: Conducted across 10 Indian states and one union territory by researchers, including those from Chennai’s Sankara Nethralaya.
    • Involved 6,000+ diabetic patients aged 40 and above.
  • Key Finding: Revealed that 12.5% of diabetes patients in India (around 30 lakh people) had diabetic retinopathy, with 4% at immediate risk of vision-threatening conditions.
  • Better screening: The study emphasizes the need for regular diabetic retinopathy screenings.

Factors contributing to the high prevalence of diabetes in India

  • Genetic Predisposition : Certain ethnic groups, including Indians, have a higher genetic predisposition to develop type 2 diabetes.
  • Insulin Resistance: Indians tend to have higher levels of insulin resistance, making them more susceptible to the disease.
  • Urbanization and Sedentary Lifestyle: The rapid urbanization and adoption of sedentary lifestyles have led to decreased physical activity and increased risk of obesity, both major risk factors for diabetes.
  • Dietary Changes: The shift towards a more Westernized diet, high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats, has contributed to the rise in diabetes.
  • Lack of Awareness: Many people in India are unaware of their risk factors for diabetes and the importance of early detection and prevention.
  • Limited Access to Healthcare: In rural areas, access to quality healthcare, including diabetes screening and management, can be limited.
  • Socioeconomic Disparities: Poverty and socioeconomic inequalities can exacerbate the risk of diabetes by limiting access to healthy food, healthcare, and education.

Preventive and Policy Recommendations

  • Healthy Lifestyle: Prevention through diet and exercise is critical to managing diabetes.
  • Policy Initiatives: Restrict unhealthy foods, make healthier options more affordable, provide subsidies for nutritious foods, and introduce free healthy school meals.
  • Enhanced Exercise Access: Promote safe public spaces for physical activity, like parks and fitness centers with free access.
  • Innovative Approaches to Diabetes Diagnosis
    • Workplace and community-based screening programs.
    • Flexible healthcare hours to increase accessibility.
    • Integrating diabetes screening with other healthcare programs (e.g., HIV/AIDS, TB).
    • Utilize trusted community healthcare providers to improve diagnosis rates in underserved areas.

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Initiatives Taken In India To Reduce Diabetes Burden

  • National Diabetes Policy: Launched in 2017, the policy aims to decrease the prevalence of diabetes in India by 20% by 2025.
  • National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD): Under NP-NCD, glucometer and drugs for diabetes are provided as per the proposals received from the states.
  • Population based screening under National Health Mission: Aims to prevent, control, and screen for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and cancers.
    • The initiative specifically targets individuals over 30 years of age for screening.
  • Eat Right India: The ‘Eat Right India’ movement was initiated by FSSAI under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to curb consumption of sugar, salt and fat.
  • Fitness Initiatives: Fit India and Khleo India movements are implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by the Ministry of AYUSH.
  • Medicine Availability: Quality generic medicines including insulin are made available at affordable prices to all, under ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ (PMBJP), in collaboration with the State Governments.

World Diabetes Day 2024

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organize the event, which focuses on diabetes prevention, health risks, and managing and living well with the disease.
  • The IDF and WHO established World Diabetes Day in 1991 in response to growing global concerns about diabetes as a major health concern. In 2006, the UN formally recognized WDD and identified diabetes as a global health concern. 
  • Theme for 2024: “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps” which focuses on reducing diabetes risk and ensuring equitable, thorough, affordable, and high-quality care for all individuals with diabetes.
  • Purpose of World Diabetes Day
    • Raise awareness about diabetes as a global health concern.
    • Promote access to effective diabetes care, education, and support systems.
    • Encourage preventative measures and healthy lifestyle changes.

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