Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 21: A recent study has revealed that the overall prevalence of diabetes in the Jammu division is 18.9%, with a concerning 26.5% in urban areas compared to 14.5% in rural areas. This data comes from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), as part of the ICMR-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) national study, which includes findings for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The study, indicates that 10.8% of the population in Jammu is affected by prediabetes, with urban areas reporting 13.4% and rural areas 9.3%. This highlights the pressing need for action against the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.
The survey, which encompasses all ten districts of Jammu, shows that the diabetes rate in the region exceeds the national average.
Expressing concern about the growing diabetes cases, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh urged medical institutions, NGOs and the media to raise awareness about the disease to prevent it from reaching alarming levels. He said the study represents a crucial opportunity for the prevention and control of NCDs.
Dr Singh called for a multi-sectoral approach, involving government bodies, non-governmental organizations, the broader community and individuals, to combat the increasing incidence of diabetes and other NCDs.
According to doctors, this survey suggests that one in five people in Jammu is diabetic. The main reasons for this rise are identified as sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets.
Dr Shahnawaz Ahmad, an endocrinologist, explained that the high consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats has become prevalent, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance. He said frequent intake of sugary drinks and snacks can cause spikes in blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of diabetes.
The shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle—characterised by desk jobs and digital entertainment—has contributed to reduced calorie burn.
According to Dr Ahmad, the lack of exercise leads to weight gain, a significant risk factor for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
Other contributing factors to the rise in diabetes prevalence include obesity, genetic predisposition, stress, poor sleep patterns and age, he added.
Similarly, Dr Gulzar Ahmad recommended several preventive measures, including adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular health screenings, and avoiding smoking.
He highlighted the importance of sleep hygiene, advocating for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help regulate hormones that control blood sugar levels.
