Modern lifestyle major factor for rise in diabetes cases in Goa, says expert

Western lifestyle is a major contributor to the rise in diabetes cases in Goa, which has recorded the highest prevalence of the disorder in the country, experts said on Friday. According to a study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other institutions, Goa has recorded the highest prevalence of diabetes in the country, with 26.4 per cent of its population suffering from the disorder.

The study was published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Journal, UK. A senior official said that though the state has taken necessary initiatives to provide support to diabetic patients, prevention is entirely in the hands of the individuals as medical intervention begins only after the disease is detected. Goa BJP medical cell convenor Dr Shekhar Salkar said the growing western lifestyle in the coastal state is the reason for many non-communicable diseases.

“Goa is completely westernized in its food and lifestyle habits. This is the reason why breast cancer cases have also seen a significant increase,” she added. of the causes of diabetes. Salkar said, “There is nothing wrong with western eating habits, but our (Indian) body is not adapted to it.”

ALSO READ: Drinking beetroot juice may reduce heart attack risk in angina patients: Study

He further said that the state government has been suggested to conduct a study on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the state. “The study can go on for 20 years, but in the first five years we will be able to get results for diseases like diabetes,” he said. While Director of Health Services Dr Geeta Kakodkar was not available for comment, a senior department official said the “Changing Diabetic Barometer (CDB)” program has been implemented in every government primary health center and community health center in Goa. .

He said the state government has signed an agreement with Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company, and the Embassy of Denmark for a diabetes treatment programme. He said that under this program Community Diabetes Centers have been set up for testing and treatment, which also provide free insulin to the patients. “There are dedicated counselors who help diabetics with their medication. A separate diabetes registry is also being maintained in the state since 2011,” the official said.