Rising Diabetes Cases in India: An Urgent Call for Comprehensive Prevention Efforts

Sub : Sci

Sec : Health

Why in News

On International Diabetes Day, a recent global study highlighted the alarming rise in diabetes cases worldwide, with India emerging as the nation with the highest diabetic population. This has sparked concerns among health experts about the need for urgent and effective preventive measures.

Global Diabetes Prevalence:

A study published in The Lancet revealed that over 800 million adults are currently living with diabetes worldwide, a figure that has quadrupled since 1990. India alone accounts for more than a quarter of the global diabetic population, with 212 million adults affected. The study’s figure for India surpasses the results of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-InDiaB study from the previous year by nearly 100 million cases.

About HbA1c Testing:

HbA1c, also known as glycated hemoglobin or A1C, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose (sugar) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much glucose is attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
Used to diagnose diabetes and monitor the long-term control of blood glucose in people already diagnosed with diabetes. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher is typically indicative of diabetes.

About Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

OGTT is a test that measures the body’s ability to process glucose. It involves fasting overnight, followed by consuming a sugary drink (containing 75g of glucose), and measuring blood glucose levels at intervals (typically after 2 hours).
Primarily used to diagnose Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher two hours after the drink indicates diabetes.

Difference between HbA1c Testing and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

Aspect	HbA1c Testing	Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
Purpose	Measures average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months.	Assesses the body’s immediate response to a high-glucose challenge.
Procedure	Simple blood test without fasting; single blood sample.	Requires fasting; involves consuming a glucose drink and multiple blood tests.
Duration of Blood Sugar Measurement	Reflects long-term glycaemic control (2-3 months average).	Measures blood sugar at specific time intervals after glucose intake (typically 2 hours).
Preparation	No fasting needed; can be done at any time of day.	Requires overnight fasting and adherence to a testing protocol.
Diagnosis Sensitivity	May miss early-stage diabetes or changes in short-term glucose control.	Highly sensitive to detecting impaired glucose tolerance and early-stage diabetes.
Influencing Factors	Can be affected by conditions like anaemia or haemoglobin variants.	Influenced by patient conditions during the test (e.g., illness, stress).