Rising Diabetes in India: Early Signs and the Role of Diet & Sugars

Diabetes has become a major public health concern in India, affecting millions of people every year. Increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes is not only caused by genetic factors but is also a consequence of poor lifestyle, mostly on the level of dietary habits. With urbanisation and the trend of diets towards artificial sweeteners and high-calorie snacks, type 2 diabetes cases are very common. Understanding these dietary choices and early warning signs can help manage the condition and prevent serious complications.

A common misconception about blood sugar control is that artificial sweeteners are a safe replacement for sugar. These non-nutritive sugars, which can be found in diet soda, low-fat snacks, and calorie-reduced meals, are heavily promoted as diabetic-friendly. However, recent reports indicate that artificial sweeteners may indirectly affect insulin sensitivity, raising the risk of diabetes. Although they don't directly raise blood glucose levels, artificial sweeteners can alter the gut bacteria, which play a key role in regulating insulin function.

Parallel to this, the shift towards fried and processed foods in India’s rapidly urbanising society is also playing a major role in the rise of diabetes. Fried foods, high in unhealthy fats (trans fats), promote abdominal obesity, which is recognised as a risk factor for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Processed foods (i.e., pre-packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and convenience meals) are also a major contributor. Foods in this group are often high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, which cause blood sugar levels to spike. Furthermore, they are often deficient in nutrients such as fibre and vitamins, making them less useful to overall health. The eating pattern of high-calorie, low-nutrient food consumption and a sedentary lifestyle are creating the diabetes epidemic in urban settings where these types of food are easily obtainable and less costly.

Although dietary patterns are important determinants of diabetes development, early disease detection is very important for prevention and treatment. For a variety of reasons, people living with diabetes do not show symptoms in the initial stage, but some early warning signals should not be overlooked.

Excessive thirst and polyuria (excessive urine production) are some of the earliest symptoms of diabetes. As blood sugar levels rise, the kidneys work overtime to filter the excess glucose, leading to increased urination and dehydration. As a consequence, the body starts to thirst for more water. Fatigue is another sign to watch for. When the body fails to use glucose for energy, it begins to break down fat and muscle, leaving people continuously exhausted. 

Read more - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Risk

Another symptom could be blurred vision. High blood sugar levels may affect the eyes' lens and reduce its power to focus. Slow healing of cuts and wounds is also a common indicator, as diabetes impairs the body's ability to repair damaged tissue. In addition, unexplained weight loss, even with usual eating habits, can indicate the body's dysfunctional ability to metabolise glucose, which causes muscle and fat to be used as fuel by the body in the absence of normal caloric intake.

Early diagnosis of diabetes plays an important role in treatment and complication prevention. If you have symptoms, you should see a doctor for testing and diagnosis. With early intervention, lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing weight can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.

The diabetes epidemic in India is a complex problem resulting from poor diet and lifestyle choices. By observing the effects caused by artificial sweeteners and adulterants in food and detecting the initial signs of the disease, preventive actions concerning diabetes can be taken. Even a few small alterations in diet and lifestyle (for example, limiting intake of processed food and exercise and monitoring blood sugar levels) have the potential to have a positive impact and help slow the diabetes epidemic.