A newly released white paper on diabetes care by the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) has highlighted critical challenges in managing the disease, as over 101 million Indians have been diagnosed with diabetes, while 136 million are in the pre-diabetic stage. The report calls for nationwide screenings, telemedicine expansion, and policy reforms to improve care and treatment adherence.
During the event, Dr. Frances Game, Clinical Director of R&D at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, NHS Foundation Trust, England, spoke about the need for improved foot care to prevent amputations among diabetic patients, especially in low and middle-income countries. Delivering the 39th M Viswanathan Gold Medal Oration, she emphasized that 18% of amputations are preceded by ulcers, as revealed in a 1990s study. She explained that the progression from diabetes to amputation typically occurs in four stages:
- Diabetes diagnosis
- Development of neuropathy or peripheral artery disease
- Ulcer formation
- Amputation
Dr. Game stressed that preventing ulcers is key to avoiding amputations. She urged healthcare professionals to identify at-risk patients by conducting regular foot examinations, educating both patients and their families, and ensuring proper footwear usage. Managing ulceration risk factors should be a priority in diabetes care, she added.
The total cost of diabetes treatment in India is expected to reach $12.8 billion by 2030, according to the white paper, which urged the government to take action to reduce India’s growing diabetes burden.
During the event, Dr. K Narayanasamy, Vice-Chancellor of TN Dr MGR Medical University, pointed out that half of diabetes cases in India remain undiagnosed. Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, National President of RSSDI and Head of M V Diabetes, echoed this concern. In Tamil Nadu, diabetes prevalence stands at 15%-18% in urban areas and 6%-8% in rural regions, he noted.
RSSDI, which has over 12,000 members across 23 chapters in India, remains the world’s largest organization dedicated to diabetes care and is advocating for comprehensive reforms to address the growing epidemic.
Read PDF here: RSSDI White Paper on Diabetes: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Vision
