“Diabetes has emerged as one of India’s most pressing public health challenges, demanding urgent preventive action. India today stands on the brink of a metabolic health crisis. A cluster of risk factors such as high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, and sedentary habits is rising across the population. Nearly 90 million adults in India are diabetic, making us the second-largest diabetic nation in the world. Early detection, screening, and adherence to treatment protocols are essential, and the primary responsibility for enabling this lies with both state and central governments. Our health system must focus on systematic screening and preventive care for non-communicable diseases like diabetes,” said Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and Chairperson, Governing Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, during his keynote address at the Illness to Wellness Awareness Conference on “Prevention and Management of Diabetes” held in New Delhi ahead of World Diabetes Day 2025.
Anil Rajput, Chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said,“Diabetes can be delayed, controlled, and even prevented through small, consistent, and conscious choices. Our ancient wellness traditions remind us that prevention is the true foundation of good health. Practices such as Yoga, Surya Namaskar, and Pranayama help improve insulin sensitivity, boost metabolism, reduce stress, and bring mental calm. At Illness to Wellness Foundation, our mission is to create awareness and inspire individuals to take charge of their health through holistic and preventive living.”
Speaking on the evolving understanding of diabetes management,(Padma Shri) Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis-C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases & Endocrinology, Fortis, said,“For too long, our approach has been gluco-centric, focusing only on sugar levels. Diabetes management must look beyond that, to include fat control, cholesterol management, and physical strength. Especially for women, strength training is crucial. Walking alone is not enough; we need cardiorespiratory, resistance, and muscle-strength exercises to maintain balance and prevent long-term complications. Holistic strength translates to better metabolic health.”
Dr (Prof.) Ashok Kumar, Director, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences & Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, drew attention to the critical issue of diabetes in women.“Gestational diabetes, which can either develop during pregnancy or pre-exist, poses serious health risks to both mother and child. There is a direct relation between blood sugar levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Diabetic mothers are more likely to experience hypertension, delivery complications, and long-term cardiovascular risks, while their children face higher chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome later in life. Awareness and lifestyle intervention are essential not only during pregnancy but also in the post-partum period.”
Dr Anuj Maheshwari, President Elect, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), emphasised the need for equitable access to diabetes care.“Diabetes mirrors our economic and demographic realities. What was once considered a disease of affluence now affects every class of society. From 33 million diabetics in the 1990s, India today has crossed 100 million, a twofold rise in two decades. This is driven by urbanisation, processed food, and physical inactivity. We must bridge the gap in diabetic care, improve access, strengthen policy, promote research, and enhance disease monitoring to ensure equal healthcare for all.”