On World Diabetes Day, a global study by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reveals that over four in five people living with diabetes in India (87%) discover their condition after developing complications associated with diabetes.
The research, encompassing 700 adults with diabetes in India, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, China, and Nigeria, indicates that 97% of Indians surveyed have experienced one or more diabetes-related complications.
World Diabetes Day, established in 1991 by the IDF and the World Health Organization, is observed on November 14 each year to raise awareness about diabetes. This year’s theme, ‘Know your risk’ and ‘know your response,’ emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing diabetes risks.
Among the complications reported in India, eye problems (64%), depression (52%), and oral health issues (42%) were the most common.
The survey also revealed that 59% of respondents worry most days about developing diabetes-related complications. Dr. Banshi Saboo, Diabetologist and Chairman of Diabetes Care and Hormone Clinic in Ahmedabad, emphasized the need to improve diabetes awareness and education for early detection and management of complications.
The study underscores the challenge of detecting diabetes early, as complications often manifest before diagnosis. Globally, the research shows that 72% of people with diabetes discovered their condition only after developing complications. Common complications included eye (46%), foot (38%), and oral health (37%) problems.
Type 2 diabetes, accounting for over 90% of all diabetes cases, often develops silently with unnoticed symptoms. Early detection, timely treatment, and informed self-care are crucial in reducing the risk of complications, according to the researchers.
