West Bengal is facing a growing burden of diabetes and related metabolic disorders, prompting doctors to call for early screening and a more comprehensive approach to metabolic health. The ICMR-INDIAB study found that 13.7% of the state’s population has diabetes, while another 23.5% has prediabetes. Hypertension was reported among 42.4% and high cholesterol among 27% of the population.
The concern is particularly evident in urban Kolkata. A community-based study of 388 adults aged 18-49 years found metabolic syndrome in 44.6% of participants. Central obesity affected 68.6%, while elevated fasting glucose, raised blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol were reported in 41.5%, 45.1% and 64.9%, respectively.
In Kolkata, the findings point to increasing demand for preventive healthcare, diagnostic screening and long-term management of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors as awareness grows among urban consumers.
Dr,Gaurab Bhaduri, Senior Consultant, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Apollo Sugar Clinic, Kolkata, said early intervention during the prediabetes stage could delay or prevent progression to diabetes, making regular screening important for high-risk groups.
Dr P K Hazra, Director, Cardiac Cath Lab, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata, said high blood sugar, abdominal obesity, hypertension and abnormal cholesterol frequently occur together, increasing cardiovascular risks.
Doctors advised periodic monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and waist circumference, along with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.