Diabetes Expanding Rapidly in India
A really interesting article discussing the dynamics of diabetes in India:
. . .Throughout the world, Type 2 diabetes, once predominantly a disease of the old, has been striking younger people. But because Indians have such a pronounced genetic vulnerability to the disease, they tend to contract it 10 years earlier than people in developed countries. It is because India is so youthful — half the population is under 25 — that the future of diabetes here is so chilling.
. . .In perverse fashion, obesity and diabetes stand almost as joint totems of success.
Last year, for instance, the MW fast-food and ice cream restaurant in this city proclaimed a special promotion: “Overweight? Congratulations.” The limited-time deal afforded diners savings equal to 50 percent of their weight (in kilograms). The heaviest arrival lugged in 135 kilograms (297 pounds) and ate lustily at 67.5 percent off. . .
. . .In the United States, an inverse correlation persists between income and diabetes. Since fattening food is cheap, the poor become heavier than the rich, and they exercise less and receive inferior health care. In India, the disease tends to directly track income. . .
It’s a scary unfolding of events. The rise in infections, amputations, and heart and kidney disease as a result of the disease is bankrupting people physically, financially, and emotionally. Few people in India have health insurance, and policies often don’t cover diabetes. Divorce rates are increasing as people become disabled.
As mentioned above, East Indians, like other ethnic cultures such as American Indians and Hispanics, are especially susceptible to diabetes, possibly because their bodies are genetically programmed to better store fat when food is in ample supply.
Whatever the genetics, type 2 diabetes is preventable (and, in some cases, reversible) with good dietary habits and supplementation. The question is, as it is around the world, will people take the necessary steps?
