Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, Dr. Nikhil Tandon, the director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi and head of endocrinology and metabolism, has warned that nearly half of diabetes cases remain undetected until they are screened. He emphasized the importance of informed choices in preventing and managing diabetes, such as focusing on whole meals instead of only cutting off sugar, avoiding two large meals a day, and managing stress with a good night's sleep.
Dr. Tandon pointed out that Type 2 diabetes, which is increasingly affecting younger people, including adolescents, is influenced by lifestyle, diet, and body weight. Key modifiable risk factors include excess weight, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, and poor sleep. He noted that blaming genetics alone can discourage people from taking action to reduce their risk.
The increasing prevalence of diabetes has been linked to habits such as consuming large amounts of rice, chocolates, and sweets, while spending long hours sitting at work or watching television. Dr. Tandon explained that the problem lies not just in the individual foods but in poor nutrition and sedentary behavior. He warned that even if you eat the right kind of food, eating large amounts can lead to weight gain, and even a reasonable quantity may still be unhealthy if it is not balanced or consumed at the right times.
Dr. Tandon also addressed concerns about the risk of diabetes in people who appear fit and slim. He explained that while a thinner person may have a lower risk than someone who is overweight, no one is completely protected from developing diabetes. Risk also depends on body composition and fat distribution, with Indian and South Asian populations being particularly susceptible to storing more fat around the waist, which can increase metabolic risk.
In addition to sugar in tea and coffee, hidden sugars in packaged foods pose a threat to consumers' health. Dr. Tandon called for greater public awareness of food labels, urging people to read and understand them so they can make informed choices about what and how much to eat. He also warned against assuming that natural sweeteners like jaggery or honey are harmless, as both have concerns similar to sugar.
Dr. Tandon cautioned that it is possible to have diabetes without knowing it, and he urged people to be aware of the warning signs such as frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, recurrent infections, and wounds that do not heal. He also emphasized the importance of regular screening for diabetes, especially if it runs in the family.