It may be mentioned here that exact number of diabetics in India is not known. The estimates are based on various epidemiological studies. Government of India has not conducted any nation-wide survey to find out number of diabetics in the country.

The increase in prevalence is due to various factors including unhealthy diet, obesity and sedentary lifestyle, population ageing etc. Evidence from epidemiological studies indicate that Indians as an ethnic group have high risk of developing diabetes. The rapid economic growth, accompanied by rapid urbanization, may also contribute to the increase in diabetic epidemic. Urbanization is associated with unhealthy nutrition and physical inactivity, leading to obesity and increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

A comprehensive strategy of action is being put in place in respect of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes etc. Action is being focused on prevention, early detection and appropriate management of the diseases.

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease and it cannot be eradicated. However, an outlay of Rs.1660.50 crore has been allotted for the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPDCS) during 11th Five Year Plan. On pilot basis, the NPDCS has been initiated in 10 districts in 10 States.

Services for diabetes like preliminary tests of urine and blood sugar and treatment are available at PHC/CHC and district hospitals /secondary and tertiary level at Government Hospitals countrywide. Difficult cases are generally referred to Medical Colleges and apex institutes like AIIMS, Delhi, PGI, Chandigarh, SGPGI, Lucknow etc.

All diabetes patients do not need dialysis. Dialysis or kidney transplant is required only in advanced cases of chronic kidney disease, of which diabetes is one of the causes.

It is well proven that the risk of developing non-communicable diseases like Diabetes, etc. can be prevented by adopting healthy life styles, healthy diet and physical activity. Hence, the NPDCS Programme focuses on health promotion for the general population by creating awareness on lifestyle related diseases with focus on adopting healthy life styles apart from disease prevention for the high risk through targeted interventions to reduce mortality and morbidity due to diabetes and other NCDs.

Under the programme, sustained IEC/BCC Campaign has been envisaged so that individual, group and community behaviour can be modified to prevent and control the chronic non-communicable diseases like diabetes etc. An amount of Rs.150 crore is earmarked under the Programme for IEC/BCC activities

This information was given by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.#