By 2030, India’s diabetes population will reach 79 mn

By the year 2030, an estimated 79.4 million people in India will be affected by diabetes – the largest in the world, the Lok Sabha was informed Friday.In a written reply, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad agreed that international health bodies have cautioned that India may have the largest number of diabetic patients in the world by the next two decades.As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), prevalence of diabetes in India is estimated to reach 79.4 million by 2030.He said keeping in mind the rise of diabetes in India, the government has approved a National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke at an estimated outlay of Rs.1,230.90 crore for the 11th Five Year Plan.“The programme focuses on health promotions, capacity building, including human resources, early diagnosis and management and integration with the primary healthcare system,” he said.He said the increase in diabetes could be due to urbanisation, affluence and lifestyle changes, increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity. Other reasons include population ageing and better availability of diagnostic facilities.Azad also said that under the Indian system of medicine, diabetes can be managed effectively through diet, medicines, yoga and exercises.
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