AHMEDABAD, Feb 15 : Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today emphasized that Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is no longer just a medical challenge but a national responsibility because this is a nation of the youth whose energies need to be preserved for the higher task of building the Viksit Bharat of 2047 and therefore called for a mass prevention campaign in view of the rapidly increasing prevalence of Diabetes in the young, with the society and the private sector working in synergy with the government driven efforts. He urged an integrated , technology-driven approach to address the rising burden of the disease in India.
Delivering the inaugural address at the “World Diabetes Congress 2025” organised by “Diabetes India” , the Minister highlighted the alarming prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the country, stressing that urgent, integrated action is needed to prevent a public health crisis.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significance of the Ahmedabad Declaration, stating that much like Gujarat’s pioneering role in setting up the country’s first-ever Disaster Management Authority by the then chief minister Narendra Modi which had later prompted the setting up of the National Disaster Management Authority, the fight against diabetes could also be launched from Ahmedabad. “India has historically turned challenges into opportunities, and diabetes should be no exception,” he remarked.
The Minister called for breaking down silos between the public and private healthcare sectors, academia and biotechnology innovators to develop a holistic, science-driven approach to tackling diabetes. He noted that the era of working in isolation is over, and synergy between government institutions, private research bodies, and startups is essential in finding solutions for early detection, prevention, and treatment of diabetes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that the Department of Space and the Department of Biotechnology have signed a formal MoU to study human physiology in space, opening new avenues for diabetes research. The collaboration is expected to yield critical insights into metabolic disorders and their behavior in zero-gravity conditions, which could further inform treatments and preventive strategies for diabetes on Earth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that diabetes research and treatment must incorporate advancements in biotechnology, AI-driven healthcare, and telemedicine. He highlighted India’s recent success in gene therapy trials for hemophilia, conducted in collaboration with leading medical institutions, as an example of how cutting-edge research can revolutionize chronic disease management.
He also pointed out that diabetes is increasingly affecting younger populations, warning that India cannot afford to let its workforce suffer from metabolic disorders. With 70% of India’s population under 40, diabetes prevention must become a national priority to safeguard economic productivity and the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Minister expressed concern over the rising influence of unregulated diet fads and self-styled health counselors, cautioning that disinformation could worsen India’s health crisis. “More than a lack of information, it is the spread of disinformation that could harm public health. While traditional medicine and new-age therapies have their place, they must be backed by scientific validation,” he said.
He also recalled how, during the COVID-19 pandemic, even medical skeptics turned to traditional Indian medicine and integrated healthcare systems, recognizing their value. “The lesson from COVID-19 is clear—our approach to healthcare has to be inclusive, integrating modern medicine with scientifically validated traditional practices,” he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted that India’s success in combating diabetes will serve as a model for the world, just as its leadership in space technology, biotechnology, and disaster management has inspired other nations. He encouraged researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to take bold, future-oriented steps in diabetes management and public health strategies.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that India has the potential to transform its diabetes challenge into an opportunity for innovation and global leadership in healthcare. He urged all stakeholders to commit to a synergized, technology-driven, and evidence-based approach to prevent and manage diabetes, ensuring a healthier, more productive India by 2047.
President International Diabetes Federation Dr Peter Shwartz, Padmashri Dr Shashank Joshi, Dr Banshi Saboo who is also the Chief Organiser of the Conference and RSSDI President Dr Aravind were among the prominent Diabetes experts who spoke in the inaugural session.
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