- NFHS-6 shows high blood sugar in 13% of women and 11.3% of men
- Nearly 40% of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed,doctors urge annual screening
Srinagar- Diabetes mellitus is emerging as one of the fastest-growing public health concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, with the latest health data showing a sharp rise in the number of adults living with high blood sugar as experts warn that unhealthy lifestyles, obesity and delayed diagnosis are fuelling the disease.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24) and other studies accessed by the news agency KNO, 13 per cent of women and 11.3 per cent of men aged 15 years and above in Jammu and Kashmir have elevated blood sugar levels or are on medication for diabetes. The figures mark a significant increase from the previous NFHS-5 (2019-21), when 8.7 per cent of women and 8 per cent of men were reported to have high blood sugar.
The data also reveal a pronounced urban-rural divide. Elevated blood sugar was found among 17 per cent of urban women and 14.6 per cent of urban men, compared with 11.9 per cent of rural women and 10.3 per cent of rural men.
The Jammu region is witnessing a particularly high burden of diabetes. The ICMR-INDIAB study estimates the overall prevalence at 18.9 per cent, with urban areas recording a prevalence of 26.5 per cent compared with 14.5 per cent in rural areas. Around 10.8 per cent of the population is estimated to have prediabetes, while nearly 40 per cent of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed.
Professor Dr S. Muhammad Salim Khan of the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar, said diabetes has evolved into a growing epidemic that requires immediate public attention.
“Diabetes is no longer confined to the elderly. Increasingly, younger adults are developing diabetes because of unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity and stress. Early detection and lifestyle modification can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life,” he said.
Health experts attribute the rising burden largely to increasing rates of overweight and obesity. According to NFHS-6, 36.7 per cent of women and 27.1 per cent of men in the 15-49 age group in Jammu and Kashmir are overweight or obese.
Doctors identify physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, family history, advancing age, hypertension, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, stress and poor sleep as major risk factors for diabetes.
Common warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, recurrent infections and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. However, doctors caution that many people remain symptom-free during the early stages, making routine screening crucial.
Health professionals recommend annual diabetes screening for all adults aged 30 years and above, particularly those who are overweight or have additional risk factors. Diagnosis is based on fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Community-level screening is available through Non-Communicable Disease clinics, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Medical experts said most cases of Type-2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through healthier lifestyles. They advise people to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses and nuts while reducing refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks and processed foods. At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing stress and ensuring adequate sleep are also recommended.
Doctors said losing just 5 to 10 per cent of body weight can significantly improve blood sugar control among overweight individuals. Left untreated, diabetes can damage blood vessels and lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, nerve damage, heart attacks, strokes and peripheral vascular disease.
Urging people not to ignore routine health check-ups, Dr Khan said prediabetes can be reversed if detected early.
“Know your numbers, get screened every year after the age of 30, stay physically active and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Diabetes can be controlled effectively when diagnosed early,” he said.
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