Table of Contents
Diabetes is gradually taking over the world's population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 422 million people worldwide develop diabetes each year. “About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority of whom live in low- and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million people die each year directly attributable to diabetes. Diabetes Cases The number and prevalence are steadily increasing compared to the past.''It will take decades,'' the UN health agency warned.
101 million adults in India have diabetes
A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation has revealed the growing prevalence of diabetes in India. This comprehensive study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, included more than 113,000 participants across both urban and rural populations from states and union territories in India. Masu. The researchers found that around 101 million adults in India have diabetes, and a further 136 million have pre-diabetic symptoms. These numbers highlight the severity of the country's diabetes crisis.
World Diabetes Day 2024: Experts share tips for managing diabetes through lifestyle changes
The study highlighted large regional variations, with higher diabetes prevalence in urban areas and southern and eastern states. Particularly, regions such as Goa, Pondicherry and Kerala had the highest prevalence of diabetes. The study also highlighted that many Indians remain undiagnosed or poorly managed, with limited awareness of the disease and its complications such as heart disease, kidney failure and nerve damage.
This study by ICMR calls for urgent action to introduce better health infrastructure, public health education, and accessible diabetes care across India. It advocates focusing on preventive measures such as lifestyle changes and early screening to reduce the impact of diabetes and limit the rise in diabetes in the coming years.
Diabetes causes common symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts and bruises, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This weakens the body's systems and makes it more susceptible to several diseases. The most prominent health issue and one that requires attention is the effect on heart health.
World Diabetes Day: Common mistakes that can lead to diabetes
How does diabetes weaken the heart?
“Diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiac arrest, which is the sudden loss of heart function. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, so cardiac arrest occurs in most cases of heart failure,” Consultant Dixit・Dr. Garg said. Department of Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram.
Speaking about the effects of diabetes on the heart, Dr. Chitra says: “Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves and compromise heart health over time. Plaque buildup in the arteries as a result of high blood sugar can , which restricts blood flow and further increases the risk.” Heart-related complications. ”
Adding to this, Dr Bhawna Atri, Endocrinology Consultant, Sector 8 Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Diabetes are more likely to suffer from heart disease compared to the general population, and cardiovascular disease is the biggest problem in diabetic patients. It is the cause of death.” Diabetics have several types of problems, including heart attacks, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, blood pressure, and cholesterol problems. ”
Dr. Atri said, “Sudden cardiac arrest is another important problem in diabetic patients because sudden cardiac arrest can occur when patients collapse during exercise or even when they are at rest. “Screening patients is critical to reducing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.” Blood sugar control, weight management, and lifestyle changes. ”
How can you reduce the cardiovascular risks caused by diabetes?
The experts touched on basic lifestyle factors to control the risks diabetes poses to the heart.
“To avoid heart problems, diabetics should maintain regular blood sugar monitoring, regular doctor visits, and increase their lifestyle, diet, and physical activity. They should also be especially prone to cardiovascular disease. You also need to lose weight due to increased afferent obesity. “Regular strength training and aerobic exercise are essential, as well as maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol control,'' suggests Dr. Atri.
How yoga helps manage diabetes
Agreeing with this, Dr. Chitra recommends a few more tips to avoid risks. She says: “Maintaining regular blood sugar control is essential, as keeping blood sugar levels within a safe range greatly reduces the chance of vascular problems. High cholesterol and high blood pressure increase the risk of heart attack. “Blood pressure and cholesterol should be monitored consistently as you consider increasing them further.” Women with diabetes have a four to five times higher risk of heart disease than women without diabetes and should proactively discuss this increased risk with their health care providers to develop a personalized heart health plan. ”
Make changes recommended by your doctor to live a healthy life
Most discussions about diabetes focus solely on blood sugar levels, but what we forget is what role lifestyle plays in diabetes.
“Lifestyle changes play an important role in supporting heart health. Engaging in regular exercise, such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking, increases blood circulation and strengthens the heart. Fruits Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.'' Lean protein helps lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy weight. Masu. Careful dietary choices are particularly beneficial in managing these risks,” says Dr. Chitra.
“Diabetic patients should avoid stress, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake.If patients experience atypical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and hand pain, to prevent worsening and provide timely management, You should seek immediate medical attention,” he said. .Atri.
Timely health checkups are also essential.
Neglecting health checkups is also one of the reasons why diabetes progresses secretly in the body.
“Medical professionals may prescribe medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol for people with diabetes, which can further protect the cardiovascular system. Doctors may prescribe medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol for people with diabetes. “We may also discuss low-dose aspirin therapy with patients,” he explains. Atri.
Diabetes Guide: Stock the following foods in your pantry to prevent blood sugar spikes.
“Regular visits to the doctor are very helpful in controlling the condition and detecting problems as early as possible. Learning CPR can help patients and their families respond effectively in emergencies. Due to the sudden nature of cardiac arrest, managing diabetes and underlying risk factors may reduce the chance of this potentially fatal event occurring. ” suggests Dr. Garg.
