Published on November 14, 2023
Ahmedabad: With a high number of sudden deaths this year – several of which are suspected to be linked to cardiovascular issues – the focus of World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, is on the impact of blood sugar on heart health.
City-based experts said that while no medical autopsies are conducted on the deceased persons, the rise in diabetes and pre-diabetes at a younger age is a vital emerging risk.
The past decade has seen the general patient profile get younger by 10 years, said Dr Ramesh Goyal, head of endocrinology and metabolism department at Apollo Hospitals. “Earlier, the general onset was in late forties, which has now shifted to late thirties. It is not unusual however, to see many patients in their twenties on medication for diabetes caused by lifestyle issues,” he said.
He added that diabetes increases risk of heart disease with change in coagulation profile and accelerated heart rate. “Unfortunately, most of the diabetes cases are detected during health check-ups instead of symptoms, Dr Goyal further said. “The people are often surprised at the diagnosis,” he added.
An ICMR study earlier published this year indicated that close to 20% of Gujarat’s population is either diabetic or pre-diabetic. Majority of these people also reported issues such as hypertension and central obesity.
Dr Manoj Agarwal, an endocrinologist with Shalby Hospitals, said that the ‘thin fat’ Indians – phenomenon of bad lipid profile of seemingly slim persons – is an accepted phenomenon, and now lifestyle related issues are causing high burden of disease.
“We generally focus on Type 2 diabetes, but there is also rise in Type 1 diabetes. Here, the government and NGO intervention can do wonders with early detection through various initiatives. Insulin pumps are not affordable for many, and they must go for multiple dose injections,” he said.
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