States » SouthPosted at: Nov 15 2026 7:57PM


Diabetes prevention must begin early in life, says health expert

Hyderabad, Nov 15 (UNI) India needs to shift its focus from treating diabetes in adulthood to preventing metabolic risks from pregnancy and early childhood, as the foundations of metabolic health are shaped much earlier in life, Dr Anura Kurpad, Senior Advisor – Health and Nutrition, Tata Trusts, said.
According to the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) 2025 Diabetes Atlas, an estimated 89.8 million adults aged 20–79 were living with diabetes in India in 2024, while 43 per cent of cases remained undiagnosed.
In a release on Sunday, Dr Kurpad said maternal health and nutrition during pregnancy, infancy and childhood growth played a crucial role in determining an individual's future risk of developing diabetes.
Citing evidence from the New Delhi Birth Cohort, he said rapid BMI gain during adolescence was associated with a higher risk of diabetes in later life.
Findings from the Mysore Parthenon Cohort also highlighted the influence of maternal gestational diabetes on the subsequent metabolic health of children.
He stressed the need to improve maternal nutrition, promote balanced diets with better protein quality, reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates and added sugars, and encourage healthy childhood growth.
Making appropriate metabolic risk assessments and preventive healthcare more accessible was equally important, he added.
India's diabetes response should move beyond early diagnosis towards early prevention, with a focus on healthier mothers, better-nourished children and healthier food environments, Dr Kurpad added.
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Tags: #Diabetes prevention must begin early in life# says health expert
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