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The Lancet study reveals a stark reality: India is home to a staggering quarter of the world's diabetic population. This alarming statistic highlights the escalating diabetes crisis, particularly in developing nations. The study, published in The Lancet Journal, underscores the gravity of diabetes, a disease gradually affecting all organs, as a global health threat. The report emphasizes the alarming rise in diabetes prevalence among young people, with a doubling of cases in the last 30 years. This trend is particularly pronounced in developing countries, raising concerns about the long-term health implications for future generations.
The report sheds light on the prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed at an early age, is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin, leading to complex management. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, develops primarily in middle-aged or older individuals, with decreased insulin sensitivity playing a central role. While developed countries like Japan, Canada, France, and Denmark have witnessed stable or slightly declining diabetes rates, middle-income countries are experiencing a surge in the disease.
The study attributes the increase in diabetes to several factors, with obesity emerging as a primary driver. Unhealthy lifestyles, including poor dietary habits and insufficient physical activity, contribute significantly to the rising prevalence. The report further highlights the alarming trend of inadequate treatment, particularly among young adults. It reveals that three out of five people aged 30 and above with diabetes remain untreated, with India alone accounting for a substantial portion of this statistic. The lack of timely medical intervention exacerbates the risks associated with diabetes, increasing the likelihood of serious health complications.
Diabetes poses a significant health risk, leading to a range of complications that can severely impact quality of life. These complications include heart disease, kidney failure, impaired vision, amputations, liver damage, and, in some cases, premature death. The study underscores the critical need for comprehensive public health initiatives to address the diabetes crisis. These initiatives should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, raising awareness about the disease, and ensuring access to affordable treatment and care.
Source: Quarter of diabetics globally are Indians, says Lancet study