THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 43.5 percent of Keralites are suffering from diabetes due to unhealthy lifestyle. Of these, 25.5 percent have become patients who have to set aside large sum of money for treatment. As per estimates, the remaining 18 percent (pre-diabetes condition) will become patients in the near future. This plight is in Kerala while the national average is 11 percent.

People of all ages, including children, are suffering from diabetes. The top selling prescription drug in the state is diabetes medicine. This shocking fact has been pointed out in a study report by the Indian Council of Medical Research. The study was conducted on more than 100,000 people across the country, regardless of village or city.

Experts point to the lifestyle and excessive consumption of fatty foods. Decades ago it was seen in people over 50. Now, people over 30 are susceptible to this. Even children above 10 years of age can become diabetic.

Type-1 diabetes, which is hereditary and does not require insulin treatment, was seen in children. Diabetic expert Dr. Sreejith N. Kumar said that type-2 diabetes, which is now affecting adults, is also affecting children. About 50 percent of children who develop the disease between 10 and 20 years of age have type 2 diabetes.

40% among pregnant women

Regular consumption of fatty foods can put you on the verge of diabetes at a young age. This becomes evident during pregnancy. Currently, 40 percent of pregnant women suffer from diabetes.

Third among patients

1. Goa:

26.4%

2. Puducherry:

26.3%

3. Kerala:

25.5%

Status of Kerala

Population:

3.51 crores

Diabetics:

1.52 crore (43.5%)

Diabetic patients:

89.64 lakhs (25.5%)

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Patients in the country

2023: 101 million

2019: 70 million

Increase: 44%

Symptoms

1..Increased hunger and thirst, excessive fatigue

2. Unexplained weight loss

3. Blurred vision, frequent urination

Solution is lifestyle change

1. Proper diet should be followed from childhood

2. Fatty newgen food should be controlled

3. Fruits and vegetables should be staple food

4. Walking and cycling should be part of the routine