Diabetes: Status of disease in India and its Treatment policy

Abstract

The incidence of diabetes is increasing globally due to factors such as population growth, an aging demographic, urbanization, and rising levels of obesity and physical inactivity. In contrast to Western nations, where the disease predominantly affects older individuals, Asian countries are seeing a troubling trend of diabetes occurring more frequently among young and middle-aged adults. This situation poses significant risks for the health and economic stability of these nations, particularly in developing regions. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of diabetes cases in India was approximately 50.8 million in 2010, and 74.2 million in 2021   and it is projected to escalate to around 87.0 million by 2030.

Foot complications are a significant concern for individuals with diabetes mellitus, representing a serious health and economic challenge. Understanding the scope of this issue, along with its risk factors, is essential for healthcare providers to develop more effective prevention strategies. The Saudi National Diabetes Registry (SNDR), as a comprehensive database, stands out as an invaluable resource for assessing this challenge.

The main objective in managing diabetes mellitus is to achieve near-normal blood sugar levels. In India, over half of the patients struggle with inadequate glycemic control, leading to vascular complications. This highlights the pressing need for innovative diabetes treatments that not only prevent complications but also prioritize patient safety.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are emerging as exciting new options for diabetes management. Exenatide, the first drug in the incretions mimetic class, and liraglutide, a human GLP-1 analogue taken once a day, have shown significant potential. Clinical studies indicate that once-daily liraglutide is effective and well tolerated, whether used alone or alongside oral ant diabetic drugs (OADs) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This positions liraglutide as a promising addition to treatment strategies for managing type 2 diabetes effectively.