Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNO): Kashmir is witnessing a steady rise in diabetes cases, with nearly half of those suffering from the disease remaining unaware of their condition, doctors said on World Diabetes Day on Saturday, stressing the need for early diagnosis, regular screening and lifestyle modifications.
Doctors said diabetes was no longer restricted to urban areas, as cases were increasingly being reported from both rural and urban parts of Kashmir, and cautioned that the absence of noticeable symptoms in many patients often results in delayed diagnosis, exposing them to serious health complications.
Dr Tanveer Ahmad, an endocrinologist, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that diabetes is a chronic condition that develops either when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot effectively utilise the insulin produced. The disease is broadly classified into Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes, he said, adding that genetic predisposition and environmental factors can contribute to its development.
He said common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, weakness, mood changes, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds and recurrent infections, though many people do not experience noticeable symptoms, making periodic screening particularly important. "The best way to prevent Type 2 diabetes is to adopt healthy eating habits, avoid ultra-processed foods, remain physically active and reduce weight if one is overweight or obese," the endocrinologist said.
Nearly half of the people suffering from diabetes remained unaware of their condition, said Dr Shahnawaz Ahmad. He advised people above 35, especially those with obesity, hypertension, a family history of diabetes, polycystic ovary conditions or a history of diabetes during pregnancy, to undergo blood sugar screening at least once a year. "People with these risk factors should not wait for symptoms to appear," he said, recommending at least 45 minutes of brisk walking every day.
Dr Rafaqat described diabetes as a silent killer and stressed that dietary regulation, regular exercise and weight management could play a significant role in controlling it. He cautioned against unnecessary steroid use and self-medication, saying such practices could adversely affect blood sugar levels, and said diabetes education is as important as treatment.
Doctors warned that prolonged exposure to uncontrolled blood sugar could lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy, besides an increased risk of cognitive decline, with the risk rising with the duration of diabetes and poor blood sugar control.
Meanwhile, findings of the ICMR-INDIAB study in 2024 have highlighted the growing burden of diabetes and other metabolic disorders in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
According to the study, around 7.8 per cent of the population is suffering from diabetes, while another 10.5 per cent is in the prediabetes category. The study also found that nearly 30 per cent of the population was hypertensive, while 57.6 per cent was obese.
Doctors said non-communicable diseases were increasing rapidly across the country, underlining the need for collective efforts by the government, healthcare institutions, administration, social organisations and communities to address unhealthy lifestyle practices—(KNO)