SYLLABUS

GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: Recently, a study published in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology reported that India had the world’s second-largest adult diabetes population in 2024.

Key Findings of the Study

• India had 90 million adults (20–79 years) living with diabetes in 2024.

• China ranked first with 148 million, while the United States ranked third with 39 million.

• The findings are based on the 11^th edition of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas.

• The Atlas provides national, regional, and global estimates for 2024 and projections up to 2050.

• Estimates covered 215 countries and territories, using data from 246 studies (2024-2025).

• Populous countries such as China, India, the United States, and Pakistan contribute a large share of the global diabetes cases.

• Pakistan is projected to surpass the United States by 2050.

• Globally, over 11% of the world’s adult population (589 million adults) had diabetes in 2024.

• By 2050, nearly 13% (853 million adults) are projected to be affected.

• Over 80% of people with diabetes lived in low and middle-income countries in 2024.

• These countries will contribute over 95% of the global increase by 2050.

• Prevalence peaked at nearly 25% among adults aged 75–79 years.

• Diabetes prevalence was higher in men than in women and higher in urban than rural populations.

Key reasons for the rise in diabetes 

• The researchers point to a mix of drivers:

o Population growth and ageing, which increase the number of people at risk

o Rapid urbanisation, often linked to sedentary lifestyles 

o Dietary shifts, including higher consumption of ultra-processed foods

o Lower levels of physical activity, particularly in cities

• Together, these factors are fuelling a steady rise in diabetes across much of the developing world.

About Diabetes

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease of inadequate control of blood levels of glucose.

• It is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin effectively. 

o Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

• The islets of Langerhans in the pancreas contain two primary types of endocrine cells:

o Beta Cells: Produce insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels.

o Alpha Cells: Secrete glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes:

o Known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes.

o Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin.

o It is characterized by autoimmune destruction of beta cells, leading to little or no insulin production and requiring daily insulin injections.

o This type often develops in children or young adults but can occur at any age.

o Symptoms can develop rapidly over weeks or months. They may lead to severe complications such as Diabetes-Related Ketoacidosis (DKA), characterized by vomiting, stomach pain, fruity-smelling breath, and labored breathing.

• Type 2 Diabetes:

o Type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. 

o It can result from the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the body not using insulin properly (insulin resistance).

o Often develops gradually, influenced by factors such as obesity and aging.

o While it usually affects older adults, it is increasingly common in children.

o Symptoms: high blood sugar levels might only be detected during routine blood tests. A potential sign of prediabetes is acanthosis nigricans, which causes darkened skin in certain areas like the neck or armpits. 

• Type 1.5 Diabetes:

o Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults), is similar to Type 1, involving an immune response against insulin-producing cells but develops more slowly. 

o People with LADA often do not need insulin immediately but they may develop a need for it over time.

• Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a condition of high blood glucose during pregnancy that increases the risk of complications for both mother and child and raises their future risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Prediabetes: Prediabetes is a state in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetic, significantly increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Monogenic diabetes: Monogenic diabetes is a rare form of diabetes caused by a mutation in a single gene.

• Type 5 diabetes: Type 5 diabetes is a newly recognised form affecting lean, malnourished young people in low- and middle-income countries, marked by abnormal pancreatic beta-cell function and inadequate insulin production.

Source :
Medicaldialogues
Nenews
Indian Express
Navhindtimes