Health is Still Wealth

Lifestyle diseases have become a serious threat to the world, and India is no exception.India has the world's second largest number of adults with diabetes, aged 20 and 70. It is estimated that 8.7 percent of this population has diabetes. This means that one out of every six people with diabetes in the world is an Indian. This is a shocking fact that the number of people with diabetes in India has increased by 150 percent in the last 30 years.

There are many factors that contribute to the rise of diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases in India, such as fast urbanization, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, tobacco use, and longer life spans. Also, it is reported that three out of 10 Indians have high cholesterol levels in their blood, and the most affected age group is 31-40. The report also found that 36 percent of Indians in the 40-60 age group had high cholesterol levels.

We can change our behavior and lifestyle to have a healthy diet and reduce the risk of this deadly disease. The ICMR guidelines say that Indian diets (especially in South and East India) have too much simple carbohydrates. We should eat more complex carbohydrates, which should make up at least 70 percent of the total carbohydrates we eat. Additionally, regular physical activity increases the feeling of general well-being and helps prevent obesity, and mitigates increased cardiovascular risk. Through this yearly special issue, we shed light on the best diabetologists in the country. Do let us know your thoughts.