Over 13% of city’s population diabetic,says study

A total of 3086 people were a part of the study representing every sector and every village in the city. In urban population,the prevalence of diabetes is the highest in Chandigarh which is 14.2 per cent while the percentage in rural population comprising 21 villages in the city is 8.3.

Interestingly,the study also established that physical inactivity was not a risk factor in the city as both diabetics and non-diabetics were leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Significantly,the study has revealed that males are 30 per cent more at risk of acquiring diabetes as compared to females. It has also been established that as one ages,the chances of acquiring diabetes increases. Interestingly,stress is one of the major contributory factors for such a high percentage of diabetes in the city,the study reveals.

Dr Bhansali said,“Mainly it (high prevalence of diabetes) is because of our lifestyle and eating habits which includes products rich in animal fats,diary products,junk food. Besides,abdominal obesity,hypertension are some other risk factors for it.”

The study was conducted between November 2008 and April 2010,on over 13,000 participants in Maharshtra,Jharkhand,Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh. Prevalence of diabetes was 10.4 per cent in Tamil Nadu,8.4 per cent in Maharashtra and 5.3 per cent in Jharkhand. If these data are extrapolated to the whole of the country,the number of people with diabetes will be 62.4 million and those with pre-diabetes 77.2 million.

As a second phase of the study,the investigators are now going to examine the seven sisters states of the North East and Punjab,Haryana.