Junk Foods
The reason for Diabetes in India can be attributed to primarily obesity followed by high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, and uncontrolled Sugar intake.
Based on IDF report (International Diabetes Federation) 415 million people in the world suffer from Diabetes. 69 million or 16% of the world Diabetics are from India. The number is expected to double in the next two decades. It is believed from 1980 to 2015 the number of people diagnosed in India with Diabetes have increased 6x times from approx. 11 million to 69 million.
Diabetes is a lifelong disease marked by high level of sugars. The number of diabetic patients is rising at an alarming rate. Diabetes is caused by two major reasons namely lack of insulin production in the body and increase in blood sugar level of the body.
The most relevant Diabetes in India is Type 2 Diabetes that puts an estimated 133 million people at risk by 2030.
The major Reason for Diabetes in India are:
Obesity
The absence of exercise that results in obesity has been attributed as the leading cause of Diabetes across all studies. Based on WHO guidelines at-least 30 minutes of physical activity is required everyday. Additionally, 30 minutes of activity reduces the chances of Diabetes by almost 30%.
Uncontrolled Sugar Intake
If we can handpick any single food item that results in obesity that further results in Diabetes it has to be Sugar. Based on the WHO recommendation we DO NOT REQUIRE SUGAR in our diet. Based on a WHO report, In 2014 39% (1 in 3 adults) of worldwide adults aged 18 and over were overweight. If we pick one ingredient common across the obesity spectrum it has to be sugar.
Junk Foods
Based on research in ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) fast foods may be a leading cause for Diabetes in population centre’s. Furthermore, Fast Foods are high in fat and calorie rich. These foods are easily available at numerous food joint across urban areas.
Delayed Treatment
Procrastination increases Diabetes complications across India. Additionally, increase in awareness among people across demographics and geographies can assist in diagnosis. Moreover, better access to treatment can assist to overcome the hurdle in postponed Diabetes diagnosis.
Sedentary lifestyle
Multiple research reports have mentioned sedentary or motionless lifestyle is one of the leading causes of Diabetes across the country. Compared to previous decades the current decade has more people than ever working in professions that do not require any physical labour.
High Blood Pressure
The probability to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes increases due to High Blood Pressure. Additionally, the major risks causing higher blood pressure are smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high fat and salt in daily diet, stress, and other diseases such as thyroid.
Excess Alcohol Intake
Excess alcohol can decrease the blood sugar level to dangerous levels. Moreover, alcohol stimulates your appetite that causes you to overeat. Additionally, excess calories in alcohol can make it difficult to lose weight resulting in Diabetes.
Beta Cell Damage
Beta cells are present in the pancreas; therefore; diseases such as Cancer may stop Beta cells from functioning and conclusively lead to Diabetes. In rather rare situations our own immune system may observe the Beta cells as antigens. Furthermore, the body would build antibodies to consume them.
In conclusion, the reason for Diabetes in India can be attributed to obesity, high blood pressure, uncontrolled Sugar Intake, and poor diet and lifestyle choices.