Number of Indian diabetics likely to touch 80 million by 2030

Bangalore, Nov 13 (UNI) Ignorance about the impact of diabetes and its management has led to the silent killer becoming a major health problem in India, with 33 million people suffering from the disease, according to the preliminary findings of market research on 'Status of Glycaemic Control in India'.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of 'World Diabetic Day' here today, JIPMER Director Dr A K Das, who released the study conducted by healthcare company Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd, said the number of diabetics in the country was likely to increase to 80 million by 2030, up by a whopping 150 per cent.

He said the objective of the study, done across eight metros and mini-metros among 433 diabetics and 481 treating clinicians, was to shed light on the doctors' and patients' knowledge, expectations and attitudes with regard to glucose control and unearth barriers, if any, to achieving good glucose control among both audiences.

The study revealed that despite increasing prevalance of diabetes and the general acceptance that it had become a major health issue, a clear correlation between good disease management and a decrease in disease burden was yet to be seen in India.

The report also highlighted that the quality of care varied from place to place depending upon practices, expertise, attitudes and perceptions among diabetes care providers. An estimate based on sales of anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals reflected that an average ten to 12 per cent of diabetics receive modern pharmacological treatment in India. The study also indicated that among the treating doctors, there was no consensus on the parameters to be measured on FPG, PPG and HbA1C, and on ideal target value of HbA1c tests. Doctors perceived that standardisation of HbA1c in laboratories was not reliable. The study also indicated that most patients were initiated insulins at a HbA1c of 8.2 per cent.

Dr Das said Novo Nordisk had launched a major global initiative in India, the 'IMPROVE programme', which aimed at helping people improve control over diabetes by offering simple and effective tools alongside public and medical awareness-raising programmes and a substantial observational study. The awareness programmes would focus on creating a consensus on HbA1c testing as the best parameter to control diabetes and ideal target values for HbA1c in India with validated kits and the right frequency.

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