Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 30: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has raised alarm over India’s growing metabolic health crisis, revealing that one in every three Indians suffers from some form of metabolic dysfunction. Speaking at the Foundation Day of the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), the Minister urged for a mass awareness campaign targeting the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, particularly among the youth.
A noted endocrinologist himself, Singh called India’s label as the “diabetes capital of the world” a matter of grave concern and stressed the need for scientific, evidence-based public health messaging.
“Treat diabetes before it occurs. Prevention is better than cure,” he said, adding that awareness must go beyond medical journals and reach everyday citizens.
Singh also debunked popular myths surrounding diabetes management, including the flawed belief that eating only “one meal a day” is healthy. He emphasized the importance of understanding both meal quality and quantity in managing and preventing diabetes.
Yoga as a Tool for Prevention
Highlighting new research led by RSSDI, Singh said that regular yoga practice can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 40%, especially in individuals who are predisposed to the disease.
“This is among the first large-scale efforts to scientifically document the role of yoga in diabetes prevention,” he noted.
National Health Targets
Reiterating the government’s commitment to reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 10%, Singh highlighted the growing link between diabetes and conditions like fatty liver, obesity, and visceral fat accumulation.
He warned against diabetes disinformation, which he said is often spread—knowingly or unknowingly—through misleading advice, and called for institutional backing for health campaigns that promote credible, research-backed information.
With the diabetes burden in India reaching critical levels, Singh’s call for early prevention, accurate public education, and holistic approaches like yoga signals a shift toward more proactive, people-centric healthcare strategies.