STATE TIMES NEWS
HYDERABAD: Addressing the inaugural session of the Annual National Conference of “Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India” (DIPSI), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, a renowned diabetologist and professor of medicine, emphasized the urgent need for early diabetes screening, particularly in pregnant women.
He called for universal blood sugar screening for every pregnant woman, regardless of her medical history, to curb the rising diabetes epidemic in India.
Dr. Singh highlighted that gestational diabetes is not just a medical concern but a national responsibility, given its long-term impact on maternal and child health. He stressed that preventing diabetes during pregnancy could help halt its rapid spread and must be integrated into mainstream healthcare programs.
The Minister warned that India’s growing diabetes crisis, particularly among young people, could impact the country’s workforce by 2047, the centenary of independence. He pointed out that 15-20% of pregnant women in India suffer from gestational diabetes, a rate significantly higher than the global average. Without early intervention, the nation could face a surge in diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and neurological disorders. He called for nationwide awareness campaigns, lifestyle interventions, and early screening measures to combat this crisis.
Dr. Singh praised Padma Shri Dr. V. Seshiah, the founder of DIPSI, for introducing the ‘spot test’ for diabetes in the 1980s, which was initially met with skepticism but is now widely accepted. He recommended implementing simplified screening procedures in government hospitals and outpatient departments, where volunteers could conduct basic BMI and glucose measurements for early diabetes detection.
Highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration, Dr. Singh urged for greater synergy between the government and private sector in tackling diabetes, citing India’s recent breakthroughs in COVID-19 vaccine development, gene therapy trials, and the first-ever indigenous antibiotic as successful models. He emphasized that public-private partnerships have transformed India’s scientific landscape and should now be applied to healthcare and diabetes prevention.
The Minister also expressed concern over India’s rising childhood obesity rates, currently the third highest in the world, which is fueling an early onset of type 2 diabetes. He called for intensified awareness campaigns focusing on lifestyle modifications, particularly for expectant mothers, to prevent future diabetes-related complications in children.
As the conference concluded, Dr. Jitendra reaffirmed the government’s commitment to diabetes prevention, urging healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to take proactive measures. “The only way to secure India’s future is to ensure our next generation is not burdened with preventable diseases. The time to act is now,” he asserted, emphasizing collective efforts to tackle diabetes and improve public health.