Abstract

Dr. Vijay R. Potdar, Dr. Jadhav Ananda*, Dr. Devanand R. Pawar

ABSTRACT

Type 2 diabetes is a global public health crisis that threatens the economies of all nations, particularly developing countries. Fuel by rapid urbanization, nutrition transition, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, the epidemic has grown in parallel with the worldwide rise in obesity. Asia’s large population and rapid economic development have made it an epicenter of the epidemic.Several factors contribute to accelerated diabetes epidemic in Asians, including high prevalence of smoking and heavy alcohol use; high intake of refined carbohydrates (e.g., white rice); and dramatically decreased physical activity levels. Recent advanced studies have contributed substantially to our understanding of diabetes pathophysiology, Also, interactions between Westernized diet and lifestyle may accelerate the growth of diabetes in the context of rapid nutrition transition. Epidemiologic studies show that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through diet and lifestyle modifications. Translating these findings into practice, however, requires fundamental changes in public policies, the food and built environments, and health systems. To control the escalating diabetes epidemic, primary prevention through promotion of a healthy diet and lifestyle should be a global public policy priority.