World Diabetes Day (WDD) on November 14 is a crucial opportunity to highlight the global diabetes crisis. The 2024 theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” emphasizes the need for unified action to tackle diabetes. But is India, home to 77 million people with diabetes, really making progress or heading towards a healthcare disaster?

The Rising Tide of Diabetes in India

• 77 million people in India have diabetes, a number expected to rise.
• 60% of those with diabetes are unaware of their condition.
• Diabetes complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and amputations are leading to a significant economic and healthcare burden.
• Less than 15% of people living with diabetes have their condition under control.

India’s Efforts: Bridging Gaps or Deepening Disparities?

In response to this rising tide of diabetes, India has launched several national initiatives aimed at improving diabetes care, including integrating diabetes management into primary healthcare and implementing WHO-recommended interventions. These measures are important, but are they enough to tackle the problem on the ground?The challenges that still remain:

• Primary care preparedness is inadequate, with less than one in three adults with diabetes receiving treatment.
• Less than 15% of diabetes patients have their condition under control, with key issues being:
  • Lack of trained healthcare professionals.
  • Insufficient access to essential medicines like insulin and diagnostics.
  • Lack of standardized management protocols.

India has made some progress with over 23 million people being managed on standard protocols by 2024, aiming for 100 million by 2025. However, these measures are not enough to address the scale of the problem.

The Root Causes: Rising Obesity and Lifestyle Risks

• Obesity and physical inactivity are major contributors to the diabetes epidemic in India.
• Children and adolescents are increasingly at risk, with a rising number of young people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to poor lifestyle choices.

Also Read: Driving Performance and Sustainability: Envalior’s Pathway for Redefining Medical Device Manufacturing

The Way Forward: Can India Break the Barriers?

India’s challenge in controlling diabetes is not just a matter of scaling up healthcare services—it’s also about tackling the root causes that fuel the rise in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. India must focus on:

• Integrating diabetes care into primary healthcare systems.
• Expanding access to affordable diagnostics and essential medicines.
• Training healthcare providers on effective diabetes management.
• Implementing the WHO HEARTS package, which offers guidelines for managing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Bridging the Gaps: A Shared Responsibility

The question remains: Is India on the path to controlling diabetes, or are we heading for a downward spiral? The answer lies in the collective action of governments, healthcare providers, and communities. Effective diabetes management requires the active involvement of all stakeholders:

• Government: Prioritize diabetes care in national health policies.
• Healthcare providers: Ensure services are equitable, accessible, and affordable.
• Public health campaigns: Promote healthy lifestyles, regular screenings, and awareness about prevention and management.

Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead

While India is making progress, the diabetes epidemic remains a massive challenge. With 1 in 2 people unaware of their diabetes status and increasing obesity rates, India must urgently address these gaps. On World Diabetes Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to breaking barriers and ensuring that diabetes care is accessible, affordable, and of high quality for all.

Be a part of history! Express your interest and get featured in our exclusive souvenir, launching at the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

Like

Dislike

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.

"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!