Diabetic patients in India to cross 10 crore mark by 2030: IMA

New Delhi: A day before India joins the world in celebrating World Diabetes Day, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Wednesday announced that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the country would cross the 10 crore mark by 2030.

"In 2015, there were as many as 6,80,0000 diabetics in the country and the figure now stands around eight crore. The trend suggests that the figure would cross the 10 crore mark by 2030," said Dr. Ramesh Kumar Datta, a senior member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

IMA also claimed that over the last three more than three lakh people have died in India due to diabetes.

"It is estimated that more than 3 lakh people died in India every year due to diabetes," added Datta.

When asked about the reason behind the prevalence of the disease, Datta said, "fast food is the culprit here. We tend to replace our traditional food with fast food these days. People don't exercise anymore. Everyone is busy with their phones. Lack of exercise and changing food habits are the major causes of the disease."

A recent study titled 'Global Pandemic of Diabetes: An Indian Perspective' done by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has revealed that India has the second-largest diabetes population in the world.

"The most common form of diseases followed by diabetes are kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and stroke," the study revealed further.

Considering the severity of the situation, IMA has initiated a movement to promote healthy food habits among the general public.

"We will spread awareness among the public on the need and methods to adopt healthy food habits," an IMA official said.

In fact, IMA's policy on good food was adopted at the recent central working committee meeting held at Port Blair.

The policy recommends the 'food plate method' which stresses a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains. Let the farmer be alive!