Rise in Diagnosis and Urbanisation Impact
Telangana has emerged as the fourth-highest state in India for diabetes diagnoses, with 14% of individuals screened turning out to be diabetic, according to a report tabled in the Lok Sabha. The state has identified 24.5 lakh diabetes patients up to November 2024, following Maharashtra (40 lakh), Karnataka (28 lakh), and Kerala (47 lakh). Urbanisation in Telangana, particularly in and around Hyderabad, is a key factor driving this trend, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits.
Government Initiatives for NCD Control
Since the introduction of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2014, Telangana has established Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinics aimed at combating diabetes. The state anticipates treating around 5 million patients through these facilities as the burden of diabetes increases. Notably, urbanisation-related conditions such as obesity and reduced physical activity have significantly contributed to the prevalence of diabetes among younger demographics, including individuals in their 20s.
NFHS-5 and Gendered Insights
The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021) revealed that self-reported diabetes cases in Telangana were 13.8% among men and 10.2% among women. The shift in food consumption patterns, including the rise of processed and ready-to-eat foods in rural and urban areas alike, is further driving the disease’s spread.
Regional Comparison and Health Concerns
Diabetes prevalence is higher in southern states like Telangana due to socio-economic and lifestyle changes. Experts, such as Dr Kiran Madala, highlight a shift from earlier patterns when the condition was predominantly seen in individuals over 50 years old, marking a concerning trend toward younger populations being affected.
