Healthy Soch
Diabetes is a massive economic and health burden
Healthy Soch
New Delhi, March 24, 2019: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of death from heart diseases. Almost 58% of deaths among people with type 2 diabetes are due to cardiovascular events. High glucose levels associated with diabetes damage blood vessels, resulting in problems with blood pressure and vision, joint pain and other maladies. India currently shoulders 49% of the global diabetes burden, representing the ‘lifestyle disease’ as a massive public health obstacle for the second most populated country in the world.
Type 2 diabetes normally affects older adults but is being increasingly noticed among younger Indians. They are at a greater risk of life-threatening complications including kidney damage and heart disease as well.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “A high-calorie diet rich in processed and junk food, obesity, and inactivity are some of the reasons for the increased number of younger people with diabetes in the country. Not getting checked in a timely manner and not following the doctor’s protocol further complicates matters for them, putting them at a risk of acquiring comorbid conditions at a relatively younger age. There is also a belief that because young people with Type 2 diabetes do not need insulin, it is not as sinister as it seems. However, this is a false notion. This condition requires immediate treatment and management. A young person with Type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms. If there are some, these may be usually mild, and in most cases develop gradually and include thirst and frequent urination.”
A young person with Type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms. If there are some, these may be usually mild, and in most cases, develop gradually and include thirst and frequent urination.
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor-in-Chief of IJCP, said, “Small and gradual changes can be made in the family so that no one is left out. This will also be encouraging for youngsters with adults setting examples for a healthy lifestyle. Such changes can help a youngster lose weight (if that is the issue) or help them make better eating choices, thereby lowering the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. This is truer for those with a genetic susceptibility to the condition. Operating as a team, a family, is much more likely to be successful.”
Some tips from HCFI
- Losing a modest amount of weight — about 15 pounds — through diet and exercise can reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes by as much as 58% percent in people at high risk.
- In type 1 diabetes, tight control of blood sugar can prevent diabetes complications.
- Choose healthy foods to share.
- Take a brisk walk together every day.
- Talk with your family about your health and your family’s risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- If you smoke, seek help to quit.
- Make changes to reduce your risk for diabetes and its complications — for yourself, your families and for future generations.
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