Diabetes Emerging as Major Public Health Challenge in J&K; Experts Warn of Rising Burden Among Younger Adults
Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jun 27: Diabetes mellitus is emerging as one of the most pressing public health challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, with health experts warning that changing lifestyles, rising obesity, and lack of early diagnosis are driving a steady increase in the number of people affected by the disease.
According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24) and other studies, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the prevalence of elevated blood sugar among adults in the Union Territory has increased significantly over the past few years. The latest NFHS-6 findings reveal that 13 per cent of women and 11.3 per cent of men aged 15 years and above in J&K have high blood sugar levels or are taking medication for diabetes, showing a noticeable increase compared to NFHS-5 (2019-21), when 8.7 per cent of women and 8 per cent of men had elevated blood sugar.
Professor Dr S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, told KNO that diabetes has become a growing epidemic that requires immediate public attention. “Diabetes is no longer confined to the elderly. Increasingly, younger adults are developing diabetes because of unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity, and stress. Early detection and lifestyle modification can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life,” he said.
Data indicate that the Jammu region is witnessing a particularly high burden of diabetes. The ICMR-INDIAB study estimates the overall prevalence at 18.9 per cent, with urban areas reporting 26.5 per cent prevalence compared to 14.5 per cent in rural areas. Around 10.8 per cent of the population is estimated to have prediabetes, while nearly 40 per cent of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed.
Urban populations continue to be more affected than rural populations. Elevated blood sugar was reported among 17 per cent of urban women and 14.6 per cent of urban men, compared to 11.9 percent of rural women and 10.3 per cent of rural men. Health experts believe the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity is one of the major reasons behind the rising diabetes burden. According to NFHS-6, 36.7 per cent of women and 27.1 per cent of men in the 15-49 age group are overweight or obese.
Doctors identify physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, family history, advancing age, hypertension, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, stress, and poor sleep as major contributors to diabetes. Common warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, recurrent infections, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. However, experts caution that many people experience no symptoms during the early stages, making regular screening essential.
Health professionals recommend annual diabetes screening for all adults aged 30 years and above, especially those who are overweight or have additional risk factors. Diagnosis is based on fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Community-level screening is available through NCD clinics, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Medical experts said that most cases of Type-2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through healthy lifestyle changes. People are advised to consume more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, and nuts while reducing refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods. At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep are considered essential preventive measures.
Doctors further said that losing 5-10 per cent of body weight can significantly improve blood sugar control among overweight individuals. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage small and large blood vessels, leading to diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Health experts have urged people not to ignore routine health check-ups, stressing that prediabetes is reversible if detected early. “Know your numbers, get screened every year after the age of 30, stay physically active, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Diabetes can be controlled effectively when diagnosed early,” Dr Khan said—(KNO)
