Early Detection, Lifestyle Changes Key to Tackling India’s Growing Diabetes Burden
Jitendra Singh warns of rising diabetes cases among younger people, stresses prevention, timely diagnosis and healthier lifestyles
NEW DELHI— Early detection, lifestyle changes and preventive healthcare must be central to India’s efforts to tackle the growing burden of diabetes, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh has said, warning that the disease is increasingly affecting younger people.
Addressing a World Diabetes Day event at the Indian Embassy in Rome, Singh said lifestyle modification, obesity control, healthy eating and regular physical activity remain among the most effective ways to prevent and manage diabetes, even as medical science continues to advance drug-based treatments.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Early Action on Diabetes”, the minister emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent the disease from progressing and reduce the risk of long-term complications, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology on Saturday.
Singh expressed concern over the changing age profile of diabetes patients, noting that a condition traditionally associated with middle-aged and older people is now being increasingly diagnosed among younger populations.
Early onset of diabetes can have lasting consequences for health, productivity and quality of life, while increasing the risk of complications involving the heart, kidneys and eyes, he said.
Highlighting the interconnected risks posed by obesity, diabetes, hypertension and abnormal blood lipid levels, Singh said addressing metabolic disorders has become a priority under the government’s broader preventive healthcare strategy.
He cited initiatives such as wellness centres, mass screening programmes and expanded healthcare access under Ayushman Bharat, along with efforts to promote yoga and healthier lifestyles, as part of India’s approach to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
The minister also pointed to the particular vulnerability of Indians to central obesity, or excess fat around the abdomen, describing it as a significant risk factor for diabetes and related metabolic disorders. He called for stronger public awareness and preventive healthcare efforts.
India, which has one of the world’s largest populations living with diabetes, has accumulated considerable experience in managing the disease and is well-positioned to share its knowledge and expertise with the international community, Singh said.
The event was held during the minister’s official visit to Italy and was attended by members of the Indian diaspora, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs and representatives of women’s organisations. (Source: IANS)
