Hyderabad:Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, endocrinologists have warned that 136 million Indians are living with prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. They stressed that early detection and lifestyle modifications can help reverse elevated glucose levels or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Doctors have called for regular metabolic screening, particularly among people with a family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyles and abdominal obesity. They have also recommended preconception health checks for women planning pregnancy, as many may be unaware of their blood glucose and HbA1c levels.
Dr B. Sravya, consultant endocrinologist, said women planning pregnancy should undergo a preconception consultation at least three months before trying to conceive. Preliminary investigations should include tests to assess thyroid function, blood glucose and HbA1c levels, along with BMI and weight-related concerns.
She said metabolic assessment should not be limited to women being evaluated for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women planning pregnancy also need to be aware of their glucose levels and overall metabolic health. HbA1c testing can help identify elevated blood glucose levels before pregnancy.
Dr Pavan Kumar Uppula, consultant in endocrinology and diabetology, said diabetes does not develop overnight and blood glucose levels can begin rising several years before a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
“Prediabetes is often overlooked because it usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. However, it presents an opportunity to prevent or delay progression through timely intervention,” he said.
Prediabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively, a condition known as insulin resistance. An HbA1c level of 5.7 to 6.4 per cent, fasting blood glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL, or a blood glucose level of 140 to 199 mg/dL two hours after a 75-gram glucose load falls within the prediabetes range.
Dr Uppula said genetic susceptibility, abdominal obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits were contributing to the growing risk in India. He noted that diabetes risk is not confined to overweight individuals, as people with apparently normal body weight can also develop insulin resistance, particularly if they carry excess abdominal fat or have a family history of the condition.
Dr Krishna Reddy Taduri, consultant endocrinologist in Kondapur, said prolonged sitting, work-related stress, inadequate sleep and reduced physical activity associated with urban lifestyles were contributing to diabetes among younger people.
“In cities such as Hyderabad, sedentary IT and corporate jobs and changing food habits have added to the risk,” he said.
Dr Taduri warned that Type 2 diabetes could remain undetected for years, with some people discovering the disease only after complications develop. Uncontrolled blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision impairment and foot ulcers.
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