Growing epidemic: On diabetes and India:

The Hindu: Published on 18th Nov 2024:

Why in News?

The Lancet report on November 13, 2024, revealed alarming statistics about diabetes, with India having the highest number of diabetics globally — 212 million people in 2022. Additionally, 133 million Indians over 30 years remain undiagnosed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a 2030 target to diagnose 80% of diabetics and achieve effective glycaemic control for those diagnosed. 

History:

• Diabetes cases globally have quadrupled, rising from 200 million in 1990 to 800 million in 2022.
• India's diabetes prevalence has been growing rapidly due to lifestyle changes and underdiagnosis.
• Earlier methodologies focused on single biomarkers like fasting plasma glucose, but newer methods (including HbA1c) better capture the prevalence, especially in South Asia.

Diabetes in India:

• Statistics: India leads globally with 212 million diabetics, far ahead of China (148 million).
• Undiagnosed Population: 133 million Indians above 30 years remain undiagnosed.
• Risk Factors: High-calorie diets, sedentary lifestyles, and nicotine consumption contribute to rising cases.

Why to Worry?

• Health Risks: Diabetes increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, and premature mortality.
• Economic Burden: The disease strains India’s healthcare system, impacting productivity and increasing treatment costs.
• Need for Action: Addressing modifiable risk factors, promoting tobacco-free lifestyles, and managing gestational diabetes are essential. Scaling up diagnosis and treatment will determine whether India meets WHO’s 2030 targets.

WHO Role and Targets:

WHO aims for:

• 80% diagnosis of diabetics by 2030.
• 80% glycaemic control among diagnosed individuals.
• WHO has emphasized the role of addressing gestational diabetes and controlling risk factors like smoking and poor diet.

Diagnosis:

• Diabetes is diagnosed using multiple indicators: fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, HbA1c ≥6.5%, or reliance on medication.
• The recent WHO and NCD Risk Factor Collaboration analysis highlights underdiagnosis due to older diagnostic approaches.
• Factors like sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and tobacco usage exacerbate the issue.