Diabetes mellitus and its complications in India: A rising public health crisis

Development and urbanization a major factors in the rise ofdiabetes in India, one of the most populated countries in theworld. It is imperative to understand the effects of thisdisorder and the problems that can develop with poortreatment and late diagnosis. This editorial discusses thestatus of diabetes in India, its associated comorbidities, andthe need of the hour, including effective healthcare strategiesto address this looming problem. India is now well thought out as the diabetic capital of theworld. According to the International Diabetes Federation(IDF), approximately 77 million people live with diabetes inIndia, and this figure is expected to exceed 134 million by theyear 2045.In India, it is also predicted that almost 57% of adults withdiabetes and its related complications are undiagnosed. [1].These frightening data reflect a rapidly growing epidemic, ahealth crisis, in a country facing issues of access, affordability,and public understanding of the health care system.One of the most important causes behind the upsurge indiabetes cases in India is the sedentary lifestyle and sedentaryeating habits of the individuals in the country. Diet habits ofthe people have been changed, viz, from healthy food toprocessed food and dependence on sugary and energy-densefoods due to the migration from rural to urban areas.Moreover, stress, lack of exercise, and smoking have made thepopulation more prone to conditions in type I and type IIdiabetes.