NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 13
Over 16 per cent of men and 14.8 per cent of women aged 15 years and above in Gujarat have high or very high blood sugar levels, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 report of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The report also highlights that the burden of diabetes is higher in urban areas than in rural regions for both genders.
What makes the situation more concerning, said Dr Ramesh Goyal, Endocrinologist, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, is that nearly 70 per cent of diabetics have uncontrolled blood sugar — a major factor behind the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly heart ailments.
- 7 in 10 Diabetics Have Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Early-onset diabetes rising among young adults due to stress, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyles,, with the average age of diagnosis dropping from the late 40s to the early 30s
- Uncontrolled diabetes for even five years can place patients in a high-risk category for heart disease, stroke, and kidney complications
“Nearly 70% of people living with diabetes in the country have poorly controlled blood sugar levels, putting them at significant risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, eye problems, and nerve damage. When young adults develop diabetes, it becomes a serious concern not just for them but also for their families and society at large. Instead of focusing on their careers and aspirations, many end up managing health complications that affect their quality of life and emotional wellbeing,” said Dr Goyal.
He added that the last two decades have seen a sharp rise in early-onset diabetes, with the average age of diagnosis dropping from the late 40s to the early 30s. Sedentary lifestyles, professional stress, lack of adequate sleep, frequent consumption of fast food, and reduced physical activity are key contributors.
“The combination of work pressure, erratic schedules, and poor dietary habits is pushing diabetes to strike earlier than ever before. Uncontrolled diabetes for even five years can place patients in a high-risk category for heart disease, stroke, and kidney complications,” he said.
Dr Goyal emphasised that diabetes can be prevented or effectively managed through timely diagnosis and simple lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, 7–8 hours of quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and routine health check-ups are critical for managing blood sugar and preventing long-term complications.
According to Dr Goyal, “The fight against diabetes begins with awareness and discipline. With small but consistent lifestyle changes, people can prevent complications and lead healthier, more productive lives. Diabetes management is not just about medicine — it’s about living mindfully and taking charge of one’s health.”
