ICMR report reveals rising NCD prevalence
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Nov 14: Kashmir and Ladakh show a higher prevalence of generalized obesity compared to the national average, with Kashmir significantly ahead in pre-diabetes prevalence, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study.
The study, the results of which were presented at SKIMS, Soura today-on the occasion of World Diabetes Day-recorded a total diabetes prevalence of 7.8% in the sample, with 10.5% categorized as pre-diabetic. Hypertension was found in 30% of the sample, while an alarming obesity prevalence of 57.6% was also noted.
The ICMR INDIAB study, covering Kashmir and Ladakh, was conducted from July 2023 to January 2024 under the supervision of Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director of SKIMS.
The study’s findings reveal that, out of the total sample size, 5.4% are known diabetics, while 2.4% are newly diagnosed with diabetes.
The results were presented by Dr. Ankit Chabbra, DM in Endocrinology, who highlighted that a total of 2,510 people participated, with an equal number of males and females.
Seventy percent of the participants, he said, were from rural areas, while the remaining 30% were from urban areas. “At the time of history-taking, 85% were physically inactive, which is a significant risk factor,” Dr. Chabbra noted.
Nationally, the ICMR-INDIAB study-world’s largest study-assessed a representative sample of individuals aged 20 and older from urban and rural areas across 31 States, Union Territories, and the National Capital Territory of India.
In terms of overall diabetes prevalence, it was found to be 11.8% in Kashmir and 11% in Ladakh; hypertension prevalence was 11.4% in Kashmir and 8.7% in Ladakh; pre-diabetes prevalence was 10.1% in Kashmir and 4.2% in Ladakh; generalized obesity was observed at 55.3% in Kashmir and 48.1% in Ladakh.
The study-conducted using a stratified multistage sampling design with three-level stratification based on geography, population size, and socioeconomic status-also identified several risk factors, including increased BMI and overweight prevalence.
Officials noted that the study provides data on the prevalence of diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among adults in both urban and rural areas of the Union Territory. It aims to highlight regional differences in the status of these noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
They stated that the study utilized robust sampling and diagnostic methods, “providing an accurate assessment of the current state of the NCD epidemic and its likely future trajectory.”
Director SKIMS, Prof. Ashraf Ganie, emphasized that the spread of noncommunicable diseases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.
“There is an urgent need to raise awareness about the serious consequences of these diseases, which are primarily driven by unhealthy lifestyle practices,” he said.
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