Dubbed as the diabetes capital of the world, India has the largest number of people suffering from diabetes in the world. There were 41 million cases in 2007 and at the same rate, it is estimated to hit 70 million by 2025.
Having a look at the global stats, there are 246 million people suffering from diabetes and this figure is estimated to reach 380 million by 2025. Every year a further 7 million people develop diabetes. Every 10 seconds, 2 people develop diabetes while one person dies every 10 seconds from diabetes-related causes.
There are more than 30 million diabetics in India, which is the highest ever reported number from anywhere in the world.The average age of developing diabetes in India is also low(45 years), which is 10 years less than the West. Even in foreign countries, the Indian migrants add a huge chunk to the diabetic population there.
The problem is not just about diabetes. It brings numerous other deadly diseases with itself, and that is why it is a major health concern. One major problem arising from diabetes is kidney failure. Another is heart failure. The average life expectancy of a diabetic is around 8 years, after the onset of the disease, as they succumb to heart attacks and kidney failures more often than the non-diabetic population. Other issues that diabetes gives birth to are low blood pressure, weak eyesight, sexual problems, and problems of feet and bones.
As it is said, prevention is better than cure, so it is better to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle involving more and more physical activity and fight this deadly disease before it even affects you!