ICMR-INDIAB Study Reveals 18.9% Diabetes Prevalence in Jammu; Urgent Action Needed to Combat NCDs

Jammu: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), has released critical findings from the ICMR-INDIAB national study covering the Union Territory of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The research revealed that the overall prevalence of diabetes in Jammu stands at 18.9%, with alarming rates of 26.5% in urban areas and 14.5% in rural areas. Additionally, 10.8% of the population is affected by prediabetes, signalling an urgent need for action against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, and several other ministries, emphasized the study's significance: “The ICMR-INDIAB study is a landmark, providing authentic epidemiological data on diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity across India’s states and union territories. This data will help estimate the health burden and enable a shift toward prevention and control strategies for diabetes and other NCDs in Jammu.”

Dr Singh commended the efforts of Dr V Mohan, the National Coordinator and Principal Investigator, and Prof. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Principal Investigator for the Jammu region, for their pivotal roles in executing the study.

The ICMR-INDIAB study, coordinated by MDRF, is a comprehensive national survey that spans 28 states, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and 7 Union Territories, covering over 1,21,077 participants since its inception in 2008.

In Jammu, 1,520 participants were surveyed to provide insights into the region's health landscape.

Dr V Mohan highlighted the national relevance: “This is one of the largest epidemiological studies on diabetes globally, with findings showing that the epidemic has now spread to rural areas. The study aims to raise awareness among stakeholders to combat the growing burden of NCDs in Jammu.”

Prof Rajiv Kumar Gupta of the Government Medical College Jammu Region detailed the findings: “The prevalence of diabetes in Jammu is 18.9%, with 26.5% in urban areas and 14.5% in rural areas. Prediabetes rates are 13.4% and 9.3% in urban and rural areas, respectively, and 40% of cases were undiagnosed. Additionally, hypertension affects 27.1% of the population, while generalized and abdominal obesity rates are 41.7% and 62.7%, respectively.”

Dr Tanvir Kaur, Scientist ‘G’ at ICMR, emphasized the study’s contributions: “This study has generated nearly 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals, strengthening capacity-building efforts in NCD screening protocols across India.”

The findings are expected to aid policymakers, health professionals, and stakeholders in developing targeted interventions for the prevention and management of diabetes and other NCDs in Jammu and beyond.