BELAGAVI
Medical Director and CEO of KLES Hospital and noted diabetologist Dr M V Jali has appealed citizens to remain fit and conscious about their health, as diabetes is rising drastically across the globe.
He was speaking to The Goan on the occasion of World Diabetes Day observed on November 14.
“I urge Goans and fellow citizens who are not only conscientious about their well-being but of other fellow humans as well to remain alert and aware as overall global prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising steadily,” Dr Jali said.
“In recent decades, the age of onset has decreased, and Type 2 diabetes has reported in young people and children worldwide, particularly in high prevalence populations. In 2020, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there were 463 million people with diabetes in the world and 88 million people in the Southeast Asia region. Of this 88 million people, 77 million belong to India. The prevalence of diabetes in population is 8.9%, according to the IDF,” Dr Jali said.
He also appealed to people to take precaution as diabetes is a significant cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
“A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining healthy body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes,” he said.
Speaking further, Dr Jali said data from the ICMR-INDIAB study also shows that in India, the prevalence of diabetes in urban areas ranged from 10.9 to 14.2% while in rural areas, the range was 3.0 to 8.3%.
“In other words, it is an increased socioeconomic burden. Hence, early detection of diabetes can mean a better quality of life. Just in case, if you know anyone who has one or more of these characteristics as described below, please suggest them to consult a physician and test their blood sugar,” he added.
