Over 101 million Indians diagnosed with diabetes

Chennai: A new report highlights the serious issue of diabetes care in India, where over 101 million people have been diagnosed with the disease. This number includes 136 million others who are pre-diabetic. Dr. Frances Game, a leading expert from England, spoke at an event focused on preventing diabetes-related amputations. She noted that many amputations occur because of a lack of awareness and poor foot care. In fact, a study from the 1990s showed that 18% of amputations started with foot ulcers. Dr. Game explained that the path to amputation involves four stages: diabetes, nerve damage or reduced blood flow, foot ulcers, and finally, amputation. She emphasized the importance of preventing foot ulcers through regular check-ups, education, and proper footwear. The event also launched a white paper from the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI). The paper outlines the urgent need for better care and awareness about diabetes. It calls for nationwide screenings, wider use of telemedicine, and reforms in health policy. The report warns that costs for diabetes treatment in India could reach $12.8 billion by 2030 if action is not taken. Many diabetes patients in India remain undiagnosed, with estimates suggesting that half of those affected do not know they have the disease. In Tamil Nadu, diabetes rates reach 15-18% in cities and 6-8% in rural areas.