Dr. Jitendra Singh
November is the month observed all over the world as the month of rededicating ourselves….the Diabetologists and the diabetes researchers alike…to the formidable goal of achieving control on the rapid spread of 21st century global epidemic of Diabetes Mellitus.14 November, to be precise, is the day observed as “World Diabetes Day” because it is believed to be the birth anniversary of Dr Banting, one of the co-discoverers of Insulin. Others believe this is the date when the discovery of Insulin actually came to be known over 90 years ago.
World Diabetes Day on 14 November is a grim reminder of the unflattering fact that India today happens to be the country with the second highest diabetic population in the world next only to China and described as the “world capital of Diabetes.” Are we doing enough to get rid of this dubious distinction? That is the question.
HOME FOR WORLD’S 80% DIABETICS
The official figure of total diabetic population in India was estimated to be 55 million in 2010 but the unofficial figure could be manifold higher.
Even as the world as a whole would register an overall rise of 120% in its diabetic population during the first quarter of the 21st century, India along with some other developing countries would emerge as home for more than 80% of the world’s diabetic population.
RISING PREVALENCE AMONG THE YOUNG
A major challenge facing India in the new century is not only that of rising prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in general but more so that of rapidly rising prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among the younger age groups which earlier remained relatively spared of this disorder. Furthermore, even adolescents and children are increasingly falling in the trap. The lifestyle factors, stress, physical inactivity, obesity and erratic dietary habits have begun to take the toll much earlier in life.
Another notable feature is the large scale Diabetes affliction of hitherto unaffected communities like for example the displaced Kashmiri community and the rural populace.
Diabetes is thus going to be a formidable problem for the 21st century India and being a foundational issue, it is far more crucial than any political issue. Indeed, Diabetes is too serious a challenge to be left to a Diabetologist alone and calls for active cooperation from Government authorities as well as from every other social or voluntary agency which is genuinely concerned about the health of 21st century India.
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