With an increase in life expectancy, obesity and sedentary lifestyles, the prevalence of diabetes will rise dramatically and also the number of resulting deaths, a research body today warned and stressed for greater investments in research to find its "affordable" treatment.
Noting that in 2012 there were an estimated 2.2 lakh diabetes related deaths in India, Indian Society of Clinical Research (ISCR) said that there is an urgent need to focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of diabetes to effectively combat the chronic disease.
Recognising the growing prevalence of diabetes particularly in low and middle income countries and its increasing burden on society and the healthcare delivery system, 'Beat Diabetes' is the theme adopted by the WHO for World Health Day which falls on April 7.
"Diabetes is an enormous public health challenge in India and cuts across all economic strata. We need greater investments in clinical research to find more affordable and accessible treatment options for the increasing number of diabetics in our country. This will reduce the pressure on our overburdened health infrastructure," said Suneela Thatte, President, ISCR.
It is estimated that by 2030, there will be more than 100 million patients living with diabetes in India, while according to WHO's Diabetes Country Profiles, in 2012 there were an estimated 2.2 lakh diabetes related deaths in India.
With an increase in life expectancy, obesity and sedentary lifestyles, the prevalence of diabetes will rise dramatically and so will the corresponding number of deaths from diabetes, the body said.
ISCR said that it is optimistic that the recent changes by the regulatory authorities in India to create a balanced and scientific environment for the conduct of clinical research in the country will see sponsors increase investments in endemic illnesses in the region like diabetes.
