Diabetes prevalence alarming in Himachal, 7th highest in country

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 21

Diabetes is the most common co-morbidity among those dying of Covid complications in the state. That’s a worrying finding as the prevalence of diabetes quite high in the state.

As per the finding of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) a while back, 11.5 per cent people have diabetes in the state. The national average for diabetes is 9.8 per cent. “The state has the seventh highest prevalence of diabetes among all states in the country, which is surprising given Himachal is predominantly a hill state,” said Dr Jitender Mokta, the principal investigator of the study.

Heading for health emergency

As against the national average of 14.5 per cent, 17.4 per cent people are in pre-diabetic state. There’s a high risk that these people will turn diabetic very soon. So, we are heading towards a health emergency as far as the prevalence of diabetes is concerned. —Dr Jitender Mokta, Principal investigator of the study

The pre-diabetic numbers are also equally alarming. “As against the national average of 14.5 per cent, 17.4 per cent people are in pre-diabetic state. There’s a high risk that these people will turn diabetic very soon. So, we are heading towards a health emergency as far as the prevalence of diabetes is concerned,” said Dr Mokta.

According to Dr Mokta, sedentary lifestyle and change in eating habits have triggered diabetes in the state. “Earlier people used to work in their fields and walk a lot. Now, most have sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits. Regular exercise and avoiding processed food are the major safeguards against the disease,” said Dr Mokta.

Besides the preventive measures that an individual can take, the government has started Mukhyamantri Nirog Yojna for the annual screening of the population above 18 years of age in the state.

“As many as 10 nirog clinics have been established across the state. Trained doctors, staff nurse and support staff screen the population for non-communicable diseases in these clinics,” said a government spokesperson.

“About 50,000 diabetic patients have been identified under the scheme and are on follow up across the state,” said the spokesperson.

“Apart from screening for the disease, the frontline workers and ASHA counsel people to adopt healthy diet and perform physical activity and give up alcohol and tobacco,” he said.

10 nirog clinics established

“As many as 10 nirog clinics have been established across the state. Trained doctors, staff nurse and support staff screen the population for non-communicable diseases in these clinics,” said a government spokesperson.

11.5% have disease

As per ICMR finding, 11.5 per cent persons have diabetes in the state against the national average of 9.8 per cent

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