Future forecasts indicate that due to the nation’s growing diabetes epidemic, India may overtake the United States as the world’s diabetes capital. This blog will use information from significant studies that have garnered much media attention and have been published in reputable magazines like Nature. Our ability to develop efficient management and preventative techniques will depend on our ability to comprehend the underlying causes of this troubling trend.
1. Changing Lifestyles and Urbanisation: Due to rising urbanisation and the embrace of Westernised cuisine, India has experienced substantial lifestyle changes in recent decades. These modifications, which include a rise in the intake of processed foods, an increase in sedentary behaviour, and a decrease in physical activity, are to blame for the rising prevalence of diabetes (Corsi & Subramanian, 2012). Transitioning from low-nutrient, low-calorie meals to high-calorie diets has significantly aggravated the diabetes epidemic.
2. Genetic Predisposition: It’s also believed that genetic factors play a role in India’s high rate of diabetes prevalence. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), for example, are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, according to research (Abbas et al., 2013). The Indian population is more susceptible to diabetes due to genetic variances and environmental influences.
3. Socioeconomic variables: The diabetes epidemic in India is significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors. The higher socioeconomic position has been linked in studies to a lower prevalence of diabetes (Corsi & Subramanian, 2012). This may be ascribed to greater accessibility of processed foods, sedentary labour in higher socioeconomic levels, and lifestyle changes brought on by urbanisation.
4. Lack of information and underdiagnosis: In India, a lack of knowledge and underdiagnosis substantially impair the fight against diabetes. Many people go untreated, which slows management and increases the potential consequences. Diabetes can be managed by improving efforts in early identification, screening, and awareness.
5. Research and Development: India has increased its efforts in research and development pertaining to diabetes. Studies on telemedicine, genetic predisposition, and alternative therapy have helped us understand the illness better (Ghosh et al., 2020; N & Patil, 2020; Shao et al., 2022; Sharma et al., 2022; Davella & Mamidala, 2021; Salama et al., 2021). This study offers helpful details for managing, preventing, and organising activities.
It is concerning because India is predicted to surpass other nations as the world’s diabetes capital eventually. The diabetes epidemic results from a complex interplay of evolving lifestyles, genetic susceptibility, socioeconomic circumstances, a lack of knowledge, and underdiagnosis. We may try to reduce the prevalence of diabetes in India by addressing these variables through awareness programmes, dietary changes, better access to healthcare, and ongoing research. If people wish to prevent and treat diabetes effectively, they must prioritise their health, undergo routine screenings, and communicate with their doctors. If we work together, we can stop the diabetes pandemic in India and promote future health.
