Undiagnosed diabetes surging in Chennai, a study by Kauvery Hospital shows

Conducted over 100 days at 100 locations, the ‘Diabetes on Wheels’ initiative highlights major gaps in public awareness and calls for urgent lifestyle changes and routine screening. A large-scale community health study by Kauvery Hospital has revealed a critical rise in undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes across Chennai, with over 72 per cent of seemingly healthy individuals showing signs of blood sugar abnormalities.

Conducted over 100 days at 100 locations, the ‘Diabetes on Wheels’ initiative highlights major gaps in public awareness and calls for urgent lifestyle changes and routine screening to combat the growing threat of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). “Until recently, we focused on communicable diseases. But now, non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are emerging as the biggest threats to public health,” said Dr Baraneedharan K, Senior Consultant Diabetologist at Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet. The Chennai-specific results are particularly concerning — indicating that 2 in every 10 seemingly healthy individuals could already be diabetic, and 12 out of every 10 (including pre-diabetics) are at high risk, Dr Baraneedharan added.

The study found that many individuals were unaware of their abnormal blood sugar levels until tested, underscoring the importance of regular health check-ups, especially among men. Notably, 21 per cent of participants with no prior history of Type 2 Diabetes were found to have abnormal blood sugar levels without knowing it.

The study also revealed that 55.1 per cent of women with a history of gestational diabetes later developed Type 2 Diabetes, highlighting the need for post-pregnancy follow-up. Obesity emerged as a significant risk factor, with 67 per cent of newly identified diabetics found to be obese — strongly linking excess weight to insulin resistance. Among at-risk individuals, 86.5 per cent of daily calorie intake came from carbohydrates — far exceeding the recommended 180–240 grams per day. In contrast, diagnosed diabetics showed a marked reduction in carb intake, suggesting awareness leads to healthier dietary choices.

Baraneedharan stressed that the diabetes crisis is not just a medical issue but a cultural one, driven by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. “We need to shift from taste-conscious to health-conscious habits. Reduce white foods — rice, sugar, maida — and increase colorful, nutrient-rich meals,” he advised. The study stresses the importance of early intervention, ideally beginning at the school and college levels.

The mobile survey, dubbed “Diabetes on Wheels,” was spearheaded by a team of physicians, diabetic educators, dieticians, and health workers. The campaign screened 3,971 participants — 51 per cent of whom were women. The project adhered to ethical standards, including patient consent and oversight by an approved ethics committee, it said.