7 months ago
Insulin Resistance: A Growing Metabolic Health Crisis in India
Insulin resistance is a big health problem in India.
It happens when the body doesn't respond well to insulin, which helps control blood sugar.
This can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health issues.
Many people don't even know they have it.
Doctors say it's important to eat healthy foods, exercise, and get enough sleep to manage insulin resistance.
They also warn that too much belly fat can make the problem worse.
If left untreated, it can cause a lot of damage to your health.
Insulin resistance is a major health crisis in India, acting as a root cause for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
One in three Indians shows lipid abnormalities, a key marker of insulin resistance, according to a study by Metropolis Healthcare.
Insulin resistance can lead to serious health issues like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease if left untreated.
Management of insulin resistance involves lifestyle modifications, diet control, physical activities, and proper medications.
High-risk groups include middle-aged and older adults, those with sedentary lifestyles, and individuals with genetic predisposition or pre-existing conditions like obesity or PCOS.
- Who
- The Indian population, particularly those with sedentary lifestyles, genetic predisposition, and certain demographic markers.
- What
- Insulin resistance, a condition where the body becomes less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and various health issues.
- Where
- India, with a high burden of insulin resistance and diabetes, making it a significant public health issue.
- When
- The condition is prevalent now and is a growing concern due to lifestyle changes and genetic factors.
- Why
- Due to factors like sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, genetic predisposition, and the proliferation of abdominal fat, which is a major contributor to insulin resistance.
Key facts
- Prevalence
- One in three Indians shows lipid abnormalities, a key marker of insulin resistance.
- Diabetes Prevalence
- About 10% of India's population has diabetes, with many undiagnosed.
- Key Symptoms
- Weight gain, especially belly fat, dark velvety skin patches, and fatigue.
- Management
- Lifestyle modifications, diet control, physical activities, and proper medications.
- High-Risk Groups
- Middle-aged and older adults, those with sedentary lifestyles, and individuals with genetic predisposition.
Quotes
Dr. V. Mohan
Chairman, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation
“Obesity and related metabolic disorders have reached alarming levels across both urban and rural India, affecting more than 250 million people. Notably, over 43% of Indians have metabolic obesity despite a normal BMI (MONO), a distinct phenotype that carries serious metabolic consequences.”
thehansindia.com
Dr. Marc-Andre Cornier
Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, United States and Immediate Past-President, The Obesity Society
“Our understanding of obesity has evolved significantly over the years from isolated risk factors to a complex cardio-kidney-metabolic continuum. We now recognise that obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, inflammation and cardiovascular risk are deeply interconnected and progress in stages. The challenge today lies in early identification, risk stratification, and timely intervention before irreversible damage occurs. The Obesity Conclave plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between evolving science and clinical practice.”
thehansindia.com
Dr. Shashank R. Joshi
Endocrinologist in Mumbai and one of the Founders of the Indian Obesity Society
“Obesity must be viewed far beyond a weight-loss programme. It is a complex, chronic disease, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work. This means individuals with a seemingly normal BMI may still be metabolically unhealthy, underscoring the need for personalised, phenotype-driven obesity management.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
Metropolis Healthcare targets technology-led growth amid local consolidation
Preventive Health Checks Gain Ground Across India’s Diagnostic Industry
JM Financial Sees 25-35% Upside in Three Buy Stocks
Metropolis Healthcare Launches Centre of Genomics
