Diabetes in India: Many Don’t Know They Have It! Learn Symptoms and Prevention

Diabetes is a growing problem in India, but you can fight it with awareness and small changes. Four out of 10 people don’t know they have diabetes, which puts them at risk for heart, kidney, and eye issues. By eating healthy, staying active, and getting regular check-ups, you can prevent or control diabetes. If you notice symptoms like thirst, tiredness, or blurry vision, see a doctor right away. Let’s take charge of our health and spread the word!

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a health condition where your body struggles to control sugar levels in your blood. This happens because of a hormone called insulin, which helps your body use sugar for energy. There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes : The body stops making insulin. It’s rare and often starts in childhood.
• Type 2 Diabetes : The body doesn’t use insulin properly. This is the most common type and is linked to lifestyle.
• Gestational Diabetes: This happens during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born.

When sugar builds up in your blood, it can harm your heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes over time.

Why Is Diabetes a Problem in India?

A study in The Lancet Global Health found that 20% of people aged 45 and older in India have diabetes. That means 1 in 5 older adults is affected! Shockingly, 40% of them don’t know they have it. The problem is worse in cities because of unhealthy lifestyles, like eating junk food, not exercising, and stress. India has the second-highest number of people with diabetes in the world, with around 101 million cases, and another 136 million people are at risk of developing it (prediabetes).

Symptoms of Diabetes

If you notice these signs, you might have diabetes. Check with a doctor:

• Feeling very thirsty all the time
• Needing to pee a lot
• Feeling tired or weak
• Losing weight without trying
• Blurry vision
• Slow-healing cuts or sores
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Kids with diabetes might also seem cranky or get frequent infections. Many people don’t notice these symptoms until the disease gets worse, so regular check-ups are important.

Health Risks of Diabetes

If not controlled, diabetes can cause serious problems:

• Heart Disease: It increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Kidney Damage: It can lead to kidney failure.
• Eye Problems: Diabetes can cause blindness (diabetic retinopathy). In India, 12.5% of people with diabetes have eye issues, and 4% risk losing their vision.
• Nerve Damage: This can cause numbness or pain in your hands and feet.
• Other Issues: It can also lead to cancer, dementia, or hearing loss.

Why Don’t People Know They Have Diabetes?

Many people in India, especially in rural areas, don’t get tested for diabetes. The Lancet study, done between 2017 and 2019 with 57,810 people, showed that lack of awareness and poor healthcare access are big issues. In rural areas, health centers often run out of basic medicines like metformin (for diabetes) or amlodipine (for high blood pressure). Only 4 out of 10 rural health centers are ready to treat diabetes properly.

How to Prevent Diabetes

The good news is that you can prevent or control diabetes, especially Type 2, with simple lifestyle changes:

1. Eat Healthy: Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken or tofu. Avoid sugary drinks, junk food, and processed snacks.
2. Stay Active: Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Walking, cycling, or yoga can help keep your weight in check and improve insulin use.
3. Check Your Blood Sugar: Get regular blood tests to catch diabetes early. This is extra important if you’re over 45 or have a family history of diabetes.
4. Manage Stress: Stress can raise blood sugar. Try relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits can make diabetes worse.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases your risk. Even losing a little weight can help.
7. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to keep your body healthy.

For kids, parents should encourage outdoor play, limit sugary snacks, and watch for early signs like frequent thirst or tiredness.

Why Early Detection Matters

Catching diabetes early can prevent serious complications. Regular check-ups, especially in cities where diabetes is more common, are key. In 2022, India had over 212 million people with diabetes, making it the country with the most cases globally. If you don’t know you have it, you can’t treat it, and that’s when problems start.

Disclaimer: Always consult a doctor for medical advice. This article is for general information only.