In a study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), it was revealed that one in every five healthy individuals has the glucose metabolism of a Prediabetic. This startling information was gleaned by using Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) which are devices that automatically track blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. This critical data assists in making more informed decisions regarding food, physical activity, and medicinal intake.
Key Highlights of the Study
Recent data reveals that roughly 11.4% of India’s population (101 million people) have diabetes. Furthermore, an alarming 15.3% (136 million people) have prediabetes. Interestingly, there seems to be no stark divide between urban and rural regions when considering the prevalence of prediabetes. States with currently low rates of diabetes surprisingly exhibited higher levels of prediabetes.
The rate of conversion from Prediabetes to full-blown diabetes is alarmingly fast in India. More than 60% of people diagnosed with prediabetes can expect to develop diabetes within the next five years. As nearly 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas, even a slight increase in the prevalence of diabetes by 0.5 to 1% will translate to significant absolute numbers.
Recommendations for Tracking Prediabetes
Identifying individuals at risk of prediabetes in India traditionally relies on the oral glucose tolerance test. However, the recent study suggests there may be a stage before prediabetes, classified as impaired glucose homeostasis. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) measures the body’s ability to handle glucose after meals, helping to detect any abnormalities in blood sugar levels before they return to fasting levels, thus aiding in the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection is crucial in managing diabetes, as it allows for timely intervention and minimizes the risk of further complications. Despite the effectiveness of CGMs in monitoring nutrition and sugar levels, their cost remains a prohibitive factor for many pre-diabetics in India, who may face economic constraints. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 50% of individuals with diabetes are unaware of their condition, emphasizing the necessity for more accessible and cost-effective screening methods.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that arises when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively utilize the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar or glucose. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, affecting mostly children and adolescents; Type 2, which can occur at any age but is common among middle-aged and older people; and Gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnant women and usually resolves after childbirth.
The Impact of Diabetes
Diabetes affects the five major organs namely, the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, and eyes. Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, obesity, and tobacco use are factors that contribute to the rise of diabetes.
Initiatives to Tackle Diabetes
Efforts to combat this disease include programmes like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). In addition, there’s the observance of World Diabetes Day and the establishment of the Global Diabetes Compact.
