More than 125 millions Indians could be diabetic by 2035, according to trade association the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
In a report released to coincide with World Diabetic day on 14 November, Assocham found that currently 68 million Indians suffer from diabetes. When last surveyed in 2006, the number was only 25 million. Furthermore, the report revealed that one out of every six adolescents in India is now overweight, and diabetes has been found in people as young as 13 years.
A mere 4% of the adults surveyed engaged in some form of physical activity
Given the sedentary lifestyle, erratic eating habits, including higher consumption of fast food and relatively high-stress lifestyles, Indians are more prone to diabetes. The study noted that a mere 4% of the adults surveyed engaged in some form of physical activity. Around 17 million people suffered kidney problems arising from diabetes, and almost 85% of the diabetes prevalent in the country is related to obesity.
The Health Committee of Assocham has estimated that by 2035, 125 million Indians might become victims of diabetes if their current lifestyle and eating habits do not change for the better.
The study gives a state-by-state breakdown of diabetes incidence, and found that even in rural areas, people are increasingly becoming victims of diabetes.
The survey included major cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabd, Pune, Chandigarh and Dehradun, among others. On average, 500 employees were selected from each city.
The report identified that 38.5% of people living in the city of Mumbai tend to suffer from diabetes and that women are more prone to the disease than men. In Delhi about 42.5% of the population are sufferers, while 36% of the Ahemdabad population is diabetic. Some 26.5% people in Bangalore have diabetes, while in Chennai the percentage is estimated at 24.5%.
Delhiites tend to consume high amounts of oil and clarified butter in various cooked products. This has evidently increased obesity and hypertension cases
In Hyderabad and Kolkata, the proportion of diabetic patients is estimated at 22.6% and 19.7% respectively, said Assocham Secretary General, D S Rawat. 'Delhiites tend to consume high amounts of oil and clarified butter in various cooked products. This has evidently increased obesity and hypertension cases,' he added.
B K Rao, Chairman of Assocham Health Committee said: 'People in the age bracket of 30-40 are living at higher risk levels of diabetes. Even those from the age bracket of 20-30s are observed to have increased levels by 28%. Younger women in the age bracket of 30-35 have also shown to have elevated levels of sugar.'
He added that there were an estimated 85 million people in India who were suffering from pre-diabetes, who have high blood glucose levels, but are not in the diabetes range. 'These people are at high risk of getting diabetes,' he said.
