NEW DELHI– Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday issued a stark warning about the growing burden of metabolic disorders in India, stating that every third Indian suffers from some form of metabolic dysfunction. He called for a large-scale public awareness campaign to promote the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, particularly among the country’s youth.
Speaking at the Foundation Day event of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), Dr. Singh—a globally recognized endocrinologist—expressed deep concern that India continues to carry the label of “diabetes capital of the world.”
“Every third Indian is affected by some form of metabolic dysfunction,” he said, urging immediate, coordinated action to address the crisis.
Dr. Singh also cautioned against the spread of diabetes-related misinformation, which he noted often stems from non-scientific sources, sometimes with good intentions but harmful results. One common myth he debunked is the belief that consuming just “one meal a day” helps manage diabetes. Instead, he emphasized the importance of a scientific understanding of both the quality and quantity of meals in diabetes care.
Reaffirming India’s public health targets, the minister called for a 10 percent reduction in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those linked to visceral fat, fatty liver disease, and obesity. He stressed the importance of taking health awareness beyond medical journals and into community-level outreach.
“We must move toward evidence-based public health education,” he said. “The goal should be clear: treat diabetes before it occurs. Prevention is always better than cure.”
Dr. Singh also highlighted new findings from an RSSDI-led study on the preventive role of yoga in managing diabetes risk. The study, which he recently launched, indicates that regular yoga practice can reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 40 percent in individuals who are predisposed to the condition.
“This is among the first scientific efforts to demonstrate how yoga can prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes,” Singh said. “The data shows a significant 40 percent reduction in risk among individuals who consistently practice yoga.”
The minister’s remarks underscore an urgent call to action for both policymakers and the public to combat the silent epidemic of metabolic diseases through education, lifestyle intervention, and evidence-based strategies. (Source4: IANS)
