Diabetes in India: The Concern
Diabetes is becoming a big problem in India, affecting people of all ages, including kids, young adults, and pregnant women. According to the Lancet, more than 100 million people in India have diabetes, which is one of the highest numbers in the world. This means that 11 out of every 100 people in India are living with this disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that diabetes can cause serious health issues like heart attacks, kidney failure, and strokes. It also affects mental health, with news reports saying it can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
The good news is that diabetes can be prevented. Doctors recommend making healthy choices, such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight, to lower the risk of getting diabetes.
TJ’s Story: Real Life Incidents of Diabetes
In August 2017, a 4-year-old boy named TJ started drinking a lot of water and going to the bathroom more often than usual. His mom noticed these changes and became worried. She has a condition called hypoglycemia, where her blood sugar levels can drop too low, so she was already familiar with blood sugar problems. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms like shakiness and confusion.
Using the glucometer she had at home to check TJ’s blood sugar, she saw that his levels were extremely high – 471 mg/dL, when normal levels are usually between 70 and 140 mg/dL. Realizing this was serious, she quickly called the doctor. After taking him to the hospital, the doctors discovered that TJ’s pancreas was damaged, leading to a diagnosis of Hypoglycemia which is also called Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas, preventing it from making insulin. Insulin is important because it helps control blood sugar. Without it, blood sugar can become dangerously high. From then on, TJ’s family had to learn how to manage his diabetes with insulin shots and regular monitoring.
Diabetes in India: What is it?
Diabetes is a long-term health condition where the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood, which can damage organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves over time.
If diabetes is not managed, it can lead to serious problems. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, leading to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness, and even the need for amputations. These complications make diabetes a major health issue, and it’s essential to keep blood sugar under control to avoid them.
In India, diabetes is very common. Over 101 million people are living with it, and this number is expected to rise to 134 million by 2045 (Press Information Bureau). More and more young people are also getting diabetes due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Around 8.9% of the Indian population has diabetes, making it a significant concern(
How Do We Test for Diabetes?
The one most important test for diabetes is the Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Test. The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. It’s a great way to see how well your blood sugar has been managed over time, not just at one moment.
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
Higher HbA1c levels mean that your blood sugar has been too high for too long, which can lead to health problems.
There are other blood tests as well like:
Fasting Blood Sugar Test
This test checks your blood sugar after not eating (fasting) for at least 8 hours.
- Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Pre-diabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
This test is quick and simple, often used for initial diabetes screening.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
For this test, you will drink a sugary drink, and your blood sugar will be measured after 2 hours. It helps see how well your body processes sugar.
- Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
- Pre-diabetes: 140-199 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher
Random Blood Sugar Test
This test checks your blood sugar at any time of the day, regardless of when you last ate. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms like extreme thirst, may indicate diabetes.
There are various types of diabetes. First is Type 1 Diabetes where the body stops making insulin. It usually affects children and young adults. Then comes Type 2 Diabetes where the body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough. It’s linked to lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Additionally, Gestational Diabetes happens during pregnancy but often goes away after birth. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later. Last but not the least Pre-diabetes where the Blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It’s a warning sign for type 2 diabetes.
In TJ’s case, the body’s immune system attacked and destroyed the insulin-producing cells in his pancreas. This type of diabetes is called Type 1 Diabetes. Without insulin, his body couldn’t move sugar into his cells, leaving high levels of sugar in his blood.
Why is Early Detection Important?
Catching diabetes early helps you manage it and prevent complications like heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage. By staying on top of your health, you can keep diabetes in check and live a healthier life.
Why is Diabetes a Problem?
When blood sugar stays too high for too long, it can damage important parts of the body, like the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. That’s why it’s important to manage diabetes through medication, diet, and exercise. In India, diabetes is becoming a major issue, with millions of people affected. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications.
What are the effects of diabetes on the body?
Diabetes is a condition that affects many parts of the body, and it can cause serious problems if not kept under control. One major area impacted by diabetes is the heart and blood vessels. When blood sugar levels stay high for a long time, it can damage the blood vessels, making them narrow and hard. This can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Studies show that people with diabetes are at a higher risk for these heart problems.
Another important area affected by diabetes is the kidneys. Kidneys help filter waste from the blood. High blood sugar can damage these filtering parts of the kidneys, which can lead to kidney disease or even kidney failure.
Diabetes also affects the eyes. High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This can cause vision problems or even blindness. Regular eye check-ups are essential because diabetes can lead to serious eye issues if not managed properly.
Nerve damage is another concern with diabetes. High blood sugar can harm the nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness, especially in the hands and feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy. It can make it hard to feel injuries or infections, which can lead to more severe problems.
Diabetes can affect reproductive health. For women, it can lead to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can disrupt menstrual cycles and fertility. Men with diabetes may experience erectile dysfunction. Overall, diabetes impacts many parts of the body, so controlling blood sugar levels is essential to prevent or reduce these complications.
The Preventions: What you can do?
Preventing diabetes is really important because it helps you avoid serious health problems that come with the disease, like heart issues, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss. By making some healthy changes, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting diabetes.
1. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent diabetes:
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Cut down on sugary foods and refined carbs.
- Include foods high in fiber and avoid unhealthy fats to keep blood sugar levels steady.
2.Regular exercise is key for prevention:
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, like walking or cycling.
- Exercise helps with weight control and improves how your body uses insulin.
3.Keeping a healthy weight is important because being overweight increases the risk of diabetes:
- Even losing 5-10% of your body weight can make a big difference.
4.Regular doctor check-ups help you track your blood sugar levels and see if you’re at risk, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or are overweight.
5.Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can increase your chances of getting diabetes.
6.Managing stress is also important:
- Chronic stress can raise your blood sugar and lead to unhealthy eating.
- Find ways to relax, like practicing mindfulness or doing a hobby you enjoy.
By making these healthy lifestyle choices, you can lower your risk of diabetes and stay healthier overall.
