India is becoming the Diabetes Capital of the World.

There are 80 million diabetes patients in India, projected to increase to 135 million in 2045. India accounts for 17% of the total persons with diabetes worldwide. There is an alarming rise of above 10% in the prevalence of diabetes among the youth in India. This condition is caused due to increase in blood sugar or hyperglycemia. The beta cells of the pancreas are responsible for the production of insulin, a hormone that reduces blood sugar levels. Insufficient production of insulin causes diabetes.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in India has increased by 64% over the last 25 years, according to the November 2017 report by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the Public Health Foundation. India will reach 90 million people with diabetes in the year 2030 if diabetes continues at the present rate.

Do a Check on Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

The factors that contribute to diabetes are multifarious. However, some reasons need special mention in today’s unhealthy lifestyle of many Indians.

Work-related Stress and Anxiety: Money-making in this materialistic world has resulted in work stress. Many suffer from relationship issues, identity crises, stress, and anxiety. The requirement to manage stress is compulsory throughout the productive working age.

Processed food and Industrialization: Quick, ready-to-eat, processed meals are readily available at affordable prices with easy use and tempting packaging. Hence home-cooked meals have become a rarity. Post Industrialization in the 1950’s consumeristic lifestyle has been on the rise, paving the way to packaged and processed food. From white refined sugar to colas to processed meat, the processed variants are priced less than organic food. The presence of chemicals, preservatives, and food colors are toxic for human consumption.   

Lack of exercise: Adults and children find no time for exercise. A good exercise routine, a long relaxing walk, aerobics, or jogging are tedious to many. The importance of exercise for heart health is always explained now and then by experts.  It is high time we heed this health advice and include exercise in our health regime.

Mechanization of work: Human work is now easy with Artificial Intelligence powered smart devices like dishwashers and mixers. When robotic devices can do human chores, why flex the muscles to do a difficult chore is always a question in human minds. Thus, mechanization has caused a sedentary lifestyle to flourish.

Addiction to electronic devices: Increased screen time exposes us to harmful radiation. Many are glued to computer monitors, laptops, tabs, and the inevitable mobile devices, which leads to addictive behavior. Overindulgence in unhealthy comfort food, watching television, inactivity, and the chances of becoming stuck in a sitting position is the major culprit behind all lifestyle diseases. Reduced sleep hours and lack of sleep due to late-night television and mobile phone usage are a cause of concern.   

Childhood obesity: Palm oil and added sugar are additives in many Indian snacks and drinks. Hence Children who consume more of this junk food are prone to childhood obesity, which is now becoming a major menace. Children glued to video games are reluctant to play outside. This attitude in childhood is the primary reason for childhood obesity.

Manage sugar levels to stay within the healthy range

Blood sugar tests should be periodically done for individuals above 35 years of age. The risk factors for the occurrence of diabetes are higher for those with a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension, insulin resistance, high cholesterol levels, or obesity. All or some of the above factors induce a very high risk of diabetes. If an individual is in the pre-diabetic range, one can modify his/her lifestyle and thus prevent the onset of diabetes. However, once the individual is diagnosed with diabetes, it is vital that the patient takes medication for the management of blood sugar in the right dosage and also modify his/her lifestyle accordingly. Negligence of diabetes can result in heart disease and stroke and is life-threatening. So, everyone should be aware of the importance of treating this lifestyle disorder. Medication is the key to survival after the onset of diabetes. Constant blood sugar monitoring is a primary element in diabetes management; one has to ensure that the blood sugar numbers do not go high.   

Treatment of Diabetes

If there is a requirement for Insulin injections, then do not delay in administering insulin from an external source. Many of us wonder why ignoring the requirement of an external insulin supply is detrimental to the health of a diabetic individual. The pancreatic beta cells are hammered by routine diabetes medication to produce more insulin. Hence these pancreatic beta cells are tired, and this beta cell exhaustion causes excessive stress and a total lack of insulin, which requires more insulin from an external source. So, it is essential to maintain the optimal dosage of the right type of diabetes medication to prevent beta cell exhaustion. If Insulin is required, immediate topping up of insulin is needed to manage blood sugar.  Metformin is mainly prescribed for prediabetes and diabetes, apart from sulfonylurea, repaglinide medication, and others.