India Becomes Global Diabetes Capital with 212 Million Patients
Medical experts sounded the alarm about India's escalating diabetes crisis during World Diabetes Day celebrations at Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) on Saturday. The event, titled KIMS DIABETES UPDATE 2024-25, brought together leading specialists to address what they termed a critical global health issue requiring immediate intervention.
Alarming Statistics and Health Risks
Dr Mohammed Ismail, Karnataka Medical Council observer, delivered a stark warning in his inaugural address. India currently has 212 million diabetic patients, earning the country the unfortunate title of Diabetic Capital of the world. He described Diabetes Mellitus as a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency.
The condition is growing at an alarming rate and requires comprehensive management through awareness camps, workshops, and innovative remedial measures. Without proper control, diabetes can lead to severe health complications including renal failure, heart disease, strokes, and blindness.
Modern Lifestyle and Prevention Strategies
Prof Dr B Devdas Rai, chairman of the organizing committee and head of the department of general medicine, emphasized the role of modern lifestyles in the diabetes epidemic. He identified obesity, lack of physical exercise, and high-fat sugar diets as primary causes of this life-threatening disease.
Dr Rai stressed that awareness and precautionary measures, along with early detection, can prevent many health complications affecting other organs in the body. The workshop emphasized that diabetes management requires a holistic approach combining medical intervention and lifestyle changes.
Expert Insights and Knowledge Sharing
The continuing medical education (CME) workshop featured several renowned specialists as resource persons:
- Dr Sourabha Bhat discussed diabetic neuropathy and the role of primary care physicians
- Dr Prashanth Hubballi covered recent trends in type 2 diabetes treatment
- Dr Sandeep K addressed the topic of lean diabetes
- Dr Akhila Bhandarkar explored the relationship between diabetes, bones and sarcopenia
- Dr Vijay Kumar focused on ICU management of DKA
- Dr M Pragnya explained cutaneous manifestations of diabetes
Dr Haji UK Monu, who inaugurated the workshop, urged participants to actively engage in the sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge for better serving society. The event also included a diabetes quiz contest conducted by Prof Dr Devdas Rai, with prizes awarded to winners.
Medical professionals unanimously agreed that while diabetes presents a formidable challenge, the invention of insulin remains a boon for patients, and with proper management strategies, the tide can be turned against this growing health crisis.
