Diabetes is fast gaining the status of a potential epidemic in India. The country is second only to China in the number of reported cases of diabetes. According to an estimate drawn by the Indian Medical Council of Research in 2014, there are about 77.2 million people in India suffering from pre-diabetes and over 65.1 million diabetes patients.

In order to raise awareness on the prevalence of his staggering lifestyle condition, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, a leading chain of multi-national diagnostics, conducted an extensive sample study in Mumbai for a period of two years. In an analysis of over 100659 samples tested for Fasting Blood Glucose at Metropolis Healthcare, out of the 100659 samples processed between the age group 20 to 80 years, over 21520 samples were found to be positive for diabetes mellitus and over 20180 samples were found to be in a pre-diabetic condition which constitutes high risk group for developing diabetes.

In a per cent analysis of overall samples, Metropolis observed an increasing trend with progression in age. 21.3 per cent are found positive for diabetes mellitus, whereas 20 per cent have pre-diabetes conditions. 17.9 per centof females were found to be pre-diabetic and 17.8 per cent were found to be diabetic and Over 22 per cent of the samples in males were found to be pre-diabetic and another 25 per cent were diabetic which brings to a conclusion that 1 in 2 males are either pre-diabetic or are suffering from diabetes.

An increasing trend is noticed both in male and females with a progression in age. Males are seen at a marginally higher risk for diabetes from the data analysis.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Sonali Kolte, general manager, Medico Marketing, said, “India is already infamous as the diabetic capital of the world, It is absolutely necessary for people to do intensive lifestyle modifications, especially in the cities & develop healthy diet habits to prevent diabetes in the population. Screening for diabetes should begin when you hit 30 to prevent disease. Regular walks & exercise for adults; physical activity/outdoor activities for children should be part of the lifestyle modifications. Timely health checks and regular blood glucose monitoring is essential for glycemic control and prevention of diabetes.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) observes World Health Day (WHD) every year on April 7, with a dedicated theme and this year’s theme is Halt The Rise: Beat Diabetes. The main goals of the campaign are to scale up prevention, strengthen care and enhance surveillance.

The aetiology of diabetes in India is multifactorial and includes genetic factors coupled with environmental influences such as obesity associated with rising steady urban migration and lifestyle changes. Despite increasing awareness of diabetes and its life-altering complications, very few people undergo regular screening tests proactively to prevent disease.