India is home to the world’s second-largest adult diabetes population with an estimated 77 million diabetics. Every sixth person with diabetes in the world is an Indian. The past three decades witnessed a 150 percent increase in the number of people with diabetes in the country largely due to lifestyle changes and changing dietary habits. The progressive lowering of the age at which type 2 diabetes cases are being detected is a matter of huge concern. The growing prevalence of pre-diabetes across age groups, sections, and geographies suggest a further increase in diabetes cases in the coming years.
India’s healthcare infrastructure has demonstrated its robustness in dealing with the challenge of diabetes so far, but considering the rising cases, it may become increasingly challenging. Moreover, providing treatment for various health complications arising due to the prevalence of diabetes is likely to be an even bigger challenge, and healthcare providers must be ready for it.
About the author: Dr Bharat Champaneria is the Trustee at Indrashil Kaka-Ba and Kala Budh Public Charitable Trust which runs KAKA-BA Hospital in Gujarat.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of Healthcare Radius.