Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 14: Doctors on Friday said that around 10 per cent of people in Jammu and Kashmir are suffering from diabetes, and approximately 15 per cent are in the pre-diabetes stage, with the number increasing each day.
Doctors said that almost one in ten persons in J&K has diabetes-like conditions, while more than 15 in 100 people are in the pre-diabetes stage.
Dr Saleem Iqbal said the world is shrinking into a global village and that we have more facilities available at our fingertips. “Eventually, the simplicity of life has been lost in this progress,” he remarked.
He added, “The progress is important, but we must understand that it shouldn’t be in such a way that the deleterious effects outweigh the benefits of that progress.”
Regarding dietary habits, Dr Iqbal said, “Once we start consuming ultra-processed foods, high-calorie foods, and sugary drinks, it leads to an increase in diabetes, especially in developing countries like India.”
All patients must understand that exercise and a balanced diet are essential, the doctor said. “We need to teach youngsters the importance of complete health, and that will only be possible once we ourselves take up the challenge of remaining fit and healthy,” he added.
The Kashmir & Ladakh Report (July 2023 – January 2024) of the ICMR INDIAB study, conducted under the leadership of Prof M. Ashraf Ganie, reports on the prevalence of diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in a representative sample of adults from both urban and rural areas of the union territory.
The study aims to identify region-wise and state-wise differences in these NCDs using robust sampling and diagnostic methods, thereby helping to assess the current status of the epidemic and its likely future trajectory.
According to the report, 7.8 per cent of the population has diabetes, of whom 5.4 per cent are aware of their condition, while 2.4 per cent are unaware. The study also indicates that 10.5 per cent of people are in the prediabetes stage, 30 per cent are hypertensive, and 57.6 per cent are obese.
