World Diabetes Day: Why Are Indians Prone to Diabetes?

Fear of Diabetes looms large among we Indians. In recent years cases of diabetes are fast rising among Indians. It is an issue of concern.

Diabetes is a disease that influences the utilization of blood sugar in the human body. Sugar is an important source of energy for cells.  It is also vital for your brain because glucose is the main source of energy to it as well.

It is known as an ailment of the pancreas. If someone is diabetic, the pancreas either cannot produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin properly.

India is the diabetes capital of the world. One can find at least one diabetic in every family in the country. Diabetes has increased alarmingly across all age groups in India. Here are some factors/reasons behind the increasing number of diabetics in the country:

Genetic Factor 

Recent studies have revealed that unknown genetic factors make Indians prone to diabetes. According to an article published in the Diabetes Med. (Nov 2005), Indians lack certain genes (like Pro 12 Ala polymorphism of PPAR gamma gene) that protect from diabetes. Indian bodies are observed to have higher insulin resistance, causing further risk.

Environmental Factor

Global warming and the changing environment has damaged our surrounding a lot. Polluted air, soil, water, increases stress are all environmental factors that can increase the risk for developing diabetes. The stress involved in environmental factors can deteriorate human health to a large extent.  Being under stress for long periods can disrupt the normal functioning of your body, including your hormone system. This in turn can affect insulin secretion.

Unhealthy Eating Habits

Humans have formed a pretty unhealthy habit of consuming junk and processed food. As a result of this seismic shift in the Indian dietary system, a large number of people have developed type 2 diabetes. In India, obesity is now arising from the high calories and the prevalence of increased visceral fat due to desk jobs.

The fast-food culture in the country has hampered quality healthcare. This lack of awareness of having a healthy diet and facilities also enable a lot of diabetes cases in the nation to go undiagnosed.

As per the projected rates by International Diabetes Foundation, Diabetes Atlas says that diabetes is a growing public health concern. In the next 25 years, The numbers are expected to cross over 134 million Indians.