Srinagar, Nov 19: As diabetes continues to rise at an alarming pace across the globe, a leading endocrinologist has stressed the urgent need for people to understand their individual risk factors and adopt lifestyle changes to prevent the disease.
Dr Shariq Masoodi said that awareness, early detection and disciplined living remain the strongest tools against the diabetes epidemic.
He said diabetes is no longer a disease limited to the elderly, and younger populations in both urban and rural areas are now increasingly vulnerable. “People first need to understand their risk factors to stay away from diabetes. If someone in your family is diabetic, if you are obese or have other lifestyle-related issues, your chances of developing diabetes are significantly higher,” he explained.
According to Dr Masoodi, nearly 90 per cent of all diabetes cases worldwide are Type II, and a majority of these cases are being reported from underdeveloped or developing countries. “Rapid urbanisation and drastic lifestyle changes are major contributors. People are not exercising the way they used to, physical activity has reduced sharply, and our diets have become calorie-dense,” he said.
The endocrinologist said the prevalence of diabetes in Kashmir stands at around 10 per cent, while Jammu has nearly 20 per cent, making it the region with a comparatively higher burden of the disease. These rising numbers demand a stronger preventive approach at the community level, he said, adding that around 40-50 per cent of patients are unaware that they are diabetic because of no symptoms and regular screening is a must.
Recommending dietary discipline, Dr Masoodi said maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for prevention and management. “We need to limit carbohydrates and proteins in our meals and ensure our food intake is balanced throughout the day,” he said.
He advised that breakfast should account for 40 per cent of daily food intake, followed by 30 per cent each for lunch and dinner.
He pointed out a widespread habit in Kashmir that worsens health outcomes. “People here often take heavy, unlimited dinners and go to sleep almost immediately. This is harmful and creates multiple health issues. There should be at least a three-hour gap between dinner and sleeping, and dinner should ideally be taken early,” he stressed.
Around 50 per cent of the plates we eat should be fruit and vegetables, he advised.
Underscoring the immense role of physical activity, Prof Masoodi said that daily exercise is essential for keeping diabetes and many other lifestyle diseases at bay. “Lifestyle and diet play a major role in prevention. Regular walking, simple physical activities and healthier food habits can drastically reduce disease risk,” he added—(KNO)
