Dr Chhavi Mehra, Chief Medical Officer, Sugar.fit explains why diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century
The large-scale prevalence of diabetes across the world and its constant rise in numbers has made the condition fit to be called an epidemic of the 21st century. In fact, we should call this a ‘Silent Epidemic’-one that often unknowingly makes its way into our lives and disrupts our health and well-being gradually. In time, it will be a threat to global health.
Diabetes is a chronic illness caused by either no or low insulin or from not being able to utilise the insulin effectively. As a result, the blood glucose levels rise which we measure in our blood to diagnose diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by low or no insulin. On the other hand, type -2 diabetes comprises 90% of the world’s adult diabetics where insulin is not utilised by the body effectively. The good thing to note is that this type can be reversed by changes in diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight.
This disease does not care for socio-economic status or national boundaries. Global health expenditure in 2020 on diabetes was 760 billion USD and is expected to rise by 150 billion USD more in 20 years. WHO says the maximum burden is on middle and low-income countries with the highest case increase. Every year the world loses 4.2 million people to diabetes about 3 times what we lost with COVID-19.
It is predicted that 1 in 10 individuals will get affected by diabetes in 20 years from now. Currently, about 460 million people suffer from diabetes and at the rate with which this disease is marching in 20 years, this number is expected to rise to 700 million.
The first data from IDF in 2000 estimated about 150 million people with diabetes. Data trends by WHO also point out that this number has quadrupled since 1980. This upward trajectory presents a concerning trend for people globally.
From a geographical perspective, China, the United States, and India have the highest number of diabetes cases with 114 million in China, 72.9 million in India and 34.2 million in the US, as of 2019. The Middle East and North Africa are also rapidly growing in numbers. One in six adult Indians has prediabetes, and one in six adults with diabetes globally come from India.
These are just those people who have been tested. There is very little data to prove how many actual cases there may be a gap that has widened further due to a lack of information and awareness.
Even though the rise in numbers suggests an improved diagnosis, we are way behind. A simple blood glucose test (fasting), glycosylated haemoglobin and 2-hour post-meal blood test can give you a diagnosis. These are easily available in most places and can also be done at home using glucometer testing. IDF says about 50% of all Type-2 diabetes cases stay undiagnosed. Undiagnosed diabetes in turn leads to a high risk of long-term organ damage. If not well managed, this disease will lead to frequent hospitalisations and cause early mortality.
The situation does not have to be like this and can very well be controlled.
By early testing and working on lifestyle choices this condition can be reversed (without medication keeping glycosylated haemoglobin under 6.5%). If diagnosed at the pre-diabetic level, it can be reversed to a level less than 5.7% which is considered non-diabetic.
At Sugar.fit, our mission is to empower people with chronic conditions to live better and healthier lives and reverse chronic metabolic disorders in the country. A solution like ours uses technology, combined with science and human coaching to help Indians manage and reverse diabetes through a highly consumer-centric data-driven digital health experience.
Continuous glucose monitoring technology (CGM) helps users see the impact of various food and lifestyle activities on their blood sugar levels to optimize metabolic health. Our comprehensive program further combines medical experts with deep technology, including coaching, personalised analytics and integrated devices and testing to ensure sustainable consumer outcomes.
Given advancements in science and improved tools that marry physical and mental wellness with cutting-edge technology, we are certain that diabetes can be reversed. The need at this point is to fill the information chasm with the right knowledge and connect patients to proper guidance and tools.