Diabetes mellitus a major health problem

Diabetes mellitus (Commonly known as Diabetes) has become an epidemic and a major health problem in today’s society. Life style changes and urbanization are the two main reasons for diabetes to have escalated.

- Dr. Chalapathy

Dr. Chalapathy Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & RC, White field, Bangalore - 560066 ph : [phone] Extn:1147/1366 www.vims.ac.in

It is estimated that there are around 463 million adults (79-20 years) are living with diabetes worldwide, now, and it’s going to reach more than 700 million by the year 2045. It has also been forecasted that India is going to be the world capital for diabetes. At present, more than 77 million people are living with diabetes in India and country’s annual spend is approximately INR 64,500 crores on diabetes related healthcare which is further expected to increase if diabetes is not controlled.

• India-Diabetes capital

Why India???? The reason being the so called villages previously are no more villages, towns are no longer towns and semi urban, no longer semi urban but minor cities and cities have become modern cities. There’s a lot of infiltration from villages and towns towards cites for better job prospects and higher standards of living. This in turn has led to congestion in the cities. People who used to walk for purchase of groceries and vegetables are now using two - wheelers and four - wheelers and door delivery facilities, because of their improved standards of living. Also exercise, which was a part of the individual’s life style, has become absent these days, which has led to increase in obesity rates.

The numbers of