(a) whether there has been an increase in the number of patients suffering from diabetes;
(b) if so, the factors responsible for such an increase;
(c) the measures taken/proposed to be taken to create awareness among the general public to guard against spread of this disease;
(d) whether some research has been conducted on how to control the complications arising from diabetes; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. C.P. THAKUR)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the Lok Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 247 FOR 8.8.2001
According to Indian Council of Medical Research, there is epidemiological evidence showing increase in prevalence of diabetes, particularly in urban areas of the country. Various combined factors like population ageing, unhealthy diets, and obesity and sedentary life style are mainly reported to be responsible for increase in diabetes mellitus.
Central Health Education Bureau (CHEB) has strategies/programmes including use of powerful electronic media to spread Health messages to increase Public Health awareness about diabetes. `Health Melas` also contribute to Public Awareness in this regard. CHEB is also holding Orientation Training courses to provide diabetes education to health care professionals.
It has been reported that the research conducted in this regard indicates that there is strong evidence that diabetic complications can be prevented by meticulous control of diabetes. It has also been demonstrated conclusively that the efficacy of life style modification facilitates in reducing the incidence of clinically overt diabetes.