Urban poor in rich cities – be careful; diabetes is not far away
The findings, published in `The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology’, said Chandigarh, which has the highest per capita annual GDP of $3,433, recorded the highest prevalence of diabetes at 13.6% while Bihar, with the lowest per capita GDP of $682, had the lowest prevalence at 4.3%.
In economically better off states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tripura and Manipur, and Union Territories like Chandigarh, diabetes is more common in rural areas than in urban areas.
In contrast to urban areas, diabetes was, however, more common in individuals of higher socioeconomic status in rural areas of all states.
‘The spread of diabetes to economically disadvantaged sections of society is a matter of great concern, warranting urgent preventive measures,’ the study said.
Experts identify lifestyle as a major cause of increasing diabetes in affluent states, with the change in eating habits and physical activities emerging as reasons behind the rising trend among urban poor.
‘Urban poor are usually migrants who have shifted from a rural setting to urban areas and become more sedentary. They also undergo a big change in diet and stress levels. Less healthy food and less exercise can be causes of diabetes,’ said Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-DoC.
The overall prevalence of diabetes in the country was 7.3%, while 10.3% population in the pre-diabetic stage.
The study was commissioned by the government to establish national and state-specific prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in India. It was undertaken among over 55,000 people in 15 states, in three phases.
Whether rich or poor, it pays to take care of your habits if you want great health.
Improper ating habits and lack of much physical activity is the main cause for increase in diabetes among the urban poor in rich cities, according to findings published in a Lancet magazine.
