Diabetes Mellitus in South Asia

Abstract

The prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus and its complications in South Asia are much higher than in other developed and developing countries; therefore, diabetes mellitus has become a serious problem in this region. While the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in South Asia is remarkable, its characteristics and causes have not been well-elucidated. More than 85% of the diabetic population in South Asia suffer from type 2 diabetes, and the causes can be divided into two categories: internal/traditional causes and causes induced by rapid development. Factors such as age, gender, diet and lifestyle changes, including a lack of physical activity caused by modernization and urbanization, are major contributory factors. The majority of the healthcare costs associated with diabetes are due to its later complications and are not preventable. Therefore, inexpensive treatment at an early stage of diabetes is important. In this review, the following are recommended as preventive measures of the incidence of the disease: (1) induction of UCP1 through the diet, (2) increasing the intake of antidiabetic bioactive components and/or food and (3) evolution of the consensus through educational programs and government policy. National strategies and interventions should be implemented immediately for both the primary and secondary prevention of diabetes mellitus and its complications in order to advocate healthy living among the South Asian populations.

“I don’t do it for myself, I do it for them”: A grounded theory study of South Asians’ experiences of making lifestyle change after myocardial infarction

“…South Asians are a diverse people with cultures and communities originating from seven countries in the Indian subcontinent (Waisundara & Shiomi, 2017). Historically, South Asians tend to have had low referral rates, uptake and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (Banerjee, Gupta, & Singh, 2007;Beswick et al, 2004;Galdas & Kang, 2008;Jolly, Greenfield, & Hare, 2004;Scott, Gravely, Sexton, Brzostek, & Brown, 2013), although uptake may vary by country (Rana et al, 2014).…”

International evidence-based guidelines on hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

“… 10 Of the diabetic population, more than 85% suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 11 The prevalence of diabetes in South Asians is four times higher than in any other ethnic group owing to the individual susceptibility to T2DM. 12 Nevertheless, roughly 57% of the cases are undiagnosed.…”

“…Based on the latest statistics, patients pay between 43 and 870 USD to treat the disease and its complications. 11 …”

“…Based on the latest statistics, patients pay between 43 and 870 USD to treat the disease and its complications. 11 Both HT and T2DM are preventable conditions and are commonly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, a lack of physical activity, and the harmful use of tobacco and alcohol. 15 Therefore, it is imperative to produce and use evidence-based recommendations based on the best local and international evidence.…”

Introductory Chapter: Design of an Ideal Diet Using Common Foods

“…In recent times, lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are increasing due to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. Rapid increase in type 2 diabetes is becoming a serious problem, especially in South Asian countries [1]. There is also an increase in the number of patients with cancer and dementia worldwide.…”