Diabetes: Don't blame it on your genes

Regular exercising, active lifestyle and consuming low-calorie food can prevent diabetes; 245mn people affected in India

- Kuldeep Tiwari

On World Diabetes Day, with its theme of 'Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps', healthcare experts are focusing on India's diabetes crisis. The country is already the world's diabetes capital, and cases are predicted to double in the near future.

Youngsters are particularly vulnerable, with a projected 245 million Indians affected by diabetes. This includes 106 million diabetics and 139 million pre-diabetics, who have a high chance of developing the condition within the next year.

Worryingly, over 50% of diabetics are unaware of their condition, putting them at a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Expert advice
Prof Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), visited Ahmedabad this week to discuss diabetes management. He talked to Mirror on the importance of education, awareness and early intervention.