Diabetes, which is particularly concentrated in the southern states of the country where the staple food is rice, is now prevalent among youngsters too.
What is worrying the doctors is that the median age of diabetics in the city is coming down rapidly.
They are youngsters in their 20s and 30s, says A.K. Ravikumar, State Convener of Indian Medical Association (IMA) Nursing Home Board.
In Coimbatore, doctors estimate that there might be around seven lakh people undergoing treatment at any point of time for diabetes.
Even this, he says is only the tip of the iceberg as many may not be aware that they are diabetic. These people seek doctors’ advice only when they get complications arising out of diabetes.
The major reason, he says, is the changes in lifestyle. Children no longer have physical exercise due to either lack of playgrounds or being glued to computers/video games. Consuming junk foods is another factor contributing to the onset of diabetes.
In order to create awareness, the IMA has asked all its member-hospitals to conduct diabetes screening programmes free of cost this week.
Coimbatore Medical College Hospital Dean S. Revwathy says the average age of those with diabetes has come down.
Consumption of excessive fat-containing food is the main reason for onset of diabetes. The excess fat gets stored in the liver increasing the risk. Those with diabetes must have control over their diet through nutritional therapy and drugs must be only a last resort.
