Current scenario of diabetes in country likely to worsen: Expert

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, November 24

“According to the ICMR, India has emerged as a hub of diabetes. We have maximum number of diabetics in Punjab and thus timely precautions are necessary to lower its risks.” It was stated by Dr Vivek Sabharwal, internal medicine specialist and diabetologist, while addressing a virtual session on Saturday. He said not all forms of diabetes are a result of obesity or sedentary lifestyle. In fact, some are present from childhood which is known as type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is insulin dependent. In that case artificial insulin is a must, he opined.

Dr Vivek elaborated further that artificial insulin is same in structure as natural insulin, but when injected it takes longer time to absorb.

“Although insulin doesn’t cure diabetes, it still saves millions of lives. A plan of care is necessary to start insulin therapy. Long term insulin can also cause a significant increase in weight, which in turn can increase insulin demand. It also increases salt retention, thus triggering high blood pressure which further increases cardiovascular risks.”

The current scenario of diabetes in India is likely to worsen in the coming decade. Type 2 diabetes is most likely depends upon health and lifestyle, but mostly present at age above 45 years. The greatest numbers of people with diabetes are between 40 and 59 years of age, he remarked.

Dr Vivek said loosing at least one gram of fat from the pancreas can re-start normal insulin production. Once lifestyle changes are made and glucose levels are controlled people can take oral medication instead of multiple insulin injections to once daily. Also, careful monitoring and adjusting the dose of insulin from time to time is necessary because blood glucose levels are ever fluctuating, he asserted.