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HYDERABAD: Addressing the inaugural session of the Annual National Conference of “Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India” (DIPSI), here today, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a renowned Diabetologist and Professor of Medicine, advocated Diabetes screening in early pregnancy. He also called for universal screening of every pregnant woman with blood sugar tests, regardless of whether she has a history of Diabetes or not.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said here on sunday that preventing Diabetes in pregnancy is critical to control its rising burden and underscored the urgent need for early diabetes screening, particularly in pregnant women, to curb the rapidly spreading epidemic of diabetes in India.
The Minister emphasized that gestational diabetes is not just a medical issue but a national responsibility, given its long-term impact on maternal and child health. “Gestational diabetes affects not just the mother but the future of an entire generation. Preventing diabetes in pregnancy can halt the spread of this epidemic. Tackling this must be a collective national effort,” he stressed, urging policymakers and healthcare professionals to integrate preventive measures into mainstream health programs.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the concerning prevalence of diabetes in young Indians and warned that if left unchecked, it could severely impact India’s workforce by 2047, the centenary of the country’s independence. “We talk about India being a young nation, but if our youth’s energy is drained by diabetes and its complications, we are putting the future at risk,” he stated. He noted that gestational diabetes affects nearly 15-20% of pregnant women in India, significantly higher than global averages, making its prevention a critical public health priority.
Warning of a looming diabetes crisis, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that India is facing an alarming rise in type 2 diabetes among younger populations, driven by lifestyle changes and increasing obesity rates. He cautioned that without immediate intervention, the country could witness an explosion of diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and neurological disorders. “This is not just a health challenge; it is a socio-economic issue. If a large section of our working-age population is battling diabetes, it will impact national productivity and burden our healthcare system,” he said, calling for urgent action through awareness campaigns, lifestyle interventions, and early screenings.
The Minister praised the pioneering work of Padam Shri Dr. V. Seshiah, founder of DIPSI, in introducing the concept of a ‘spot test’ for diabetes in the 1980s-a method initially met with skepticism but now widely accepted. Dr. Jitendra Singh suggested implementing a simplified screening process in government hospitals and OPDs, wherein volunteers could conduct basic BMI and glucose measurements for early detection.
Reflecting on the evolving healthcare landscape, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for greater public-private collaboration, citing India’s recent breakthroughs in space, nuclear energy, and biotechnology as examples of successful partnerships. “No government in the world can do everything alone. If we want impactful healthcare solutions, we must engage the private sector as a key stakeholder,” he asserted.
He pointed to India’s successful COVID-19 vaccine development, the first-ever indigenous antibiotic, and gene therapy trials for haemophilia as models that could be replicated for diabetes research and treatment. “Public-private synergy has transformed India’s scientific landscape, and the same model must now be applied to healthcare and diabetes prevention,” he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also acknowledged the growing problem of childhood obesity in India, which is now the third highest in the world, warning that it is fuelling an early onset of type 2 diabetes. He urged healthcare professionals to intensify awareness campaigns on lifestyle modifications, particularly among expectant mothers, to prevent diabetes-related complications in future generations.
As the conference concluded, Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to diabetes prevention, urging the medical community to take proactive steps in tackling the epidemic. “The only way to secure India’s future is to ensure our next generation is not burdened with preventable diseases. The time to act is now,” he said, calling upon healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to come together in this collective fight against diabetes.
