Burden of type 2 diabetes and its complications: The Indian scenario

Abstract

India faces a grave health care burden due to the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its sequalae. Epidemiological data from different parts of the country show a rising prevalence of diabetes in the urban areas. A national study in 2000 AD showed that the prevalence in urban adults aged ≥ 20 years was 12.1%. Onset of diabetes occurs at a younger age in Indians, giving ample time for development of the chronic vascular complications. Moreover, impaired glucose tolerance (IGTj, which is a forerunner of diabetes, is also increasing, especially among the younger population. There is a wide urban-rural difference in the prevalence of diabetes indicating a major role for urbanization in the causation of the disease. Indians are also susceptible to the major complications related to diabetes like coronary artery disease, neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Prevalence of the complications is higher in low socio-economic groups due to lack of good control of glycaemia and hypertension and also due to behavioural factors. The direct and indirect costs involved in the treatment of the chronic disease especially when associated with the vascular complications are enormous. There is an urgent need to implement preventive measures to reduce the high morbidity and mortality and also to reduce the cost burden to the patients and to the society.