ABOUT DHFCT

Diabetes is a growing global concern, affecting 6.4% of adults worldwide in 2010 and projected to reach 7.7% by 2030. This translates to an increase from 285 million to 439 million adults with diabetes. Developing countries will see a 69% rise in cases, while developed countries will experience a 20% increase. In India, diabetes is rapidly approaching epidemic proportions. Currently, over 62 million individuals are diagnosed with diabetes, with predictions indicating this number may soar to 79.4 million by 2030. The migration of people from rural to urban areas, an economic boom, and lifestyle changes have significantly contributed to the rising diabetes rates.

Despite the increasing prevalence, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on diabetes in India due to its diverse geography, socioeconomic factors, and ethnicities. Diabetes is now highly visible across all societal sections, demanding urgent regional and national research and intervention to mitigate the predicted surge. Complications from diabetes, both microvascular (neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy) and macrovascular (cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease), are becoming more common and occurring at younger ages.

The Diabetes Health Foundation Charitable Trust is dedicated to raising awareness, screening, educating, and treating diabetes. They emphasize the importance of awareness to reduce undiagnosed cases and complications, advocating for diet and exercise as key components of self-care to alleviate the economic burden of diabetes.