Prevalence of Diabetes Higher in South Indians

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s latest statistics revealed that South Indians are worst hit by diabetes. It was found that one out of every four person has diabetes in Chennai slums, which is three times more than the national average of 7 per cent.

[Read: Risk Factors for Diabetes]

Diabetes and hypertension are considered as a rich man's disease, but that had not been the case as it has made way to the slums as well. Chennai slums were most affected, with 25.23 per cent of the inhabitants suffering from diabetes. The urban slums of Bangalore followed Chennai slums, where 14.77 per cent of the population had diabetes. The urban slums of Delhi had diabetes prevalence less than national average, with only 5 per cent people affected by diabetes.

[Read: Tips to Control Blood Sugar and Prevent Diabetes]

According to National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) figures, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are worst hit by diabetes. The reasons for high diabetes prevalence and risk in South Indians was found to be overdependence on rice, tubers, choice of cooking oil and certain fruits.

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