Srinagar, Nov 14 (KNO): As the world marked World Diabetes Day on Friday, healthcare professionals in Kashmir expressed concern over the mounting number of diabetes cases in the region, warning that a large section of the population remains unaware of their condition.
Speaking to the news agency - Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Rafeeq Ahmad Dar, an endocrinologist, said diabetes has emerged as one of the most challenging chronic illnesses in Kashmir. “Diabetes develops either when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot properly utilise the insulin it generates,” he explained, adding that the condition appears in three major forms—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, which affects pregnant women.
He noted that in all these forms, the inability to regulate insulin leads to blood sugar accumulation in the bloodstream. “Both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,” he said.
Discussing early warning signs, Dr Rafeeq listed symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, ketones in urine, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and recurrent infections involving the gums, skin, or reproductive tract.
According to him, diabetes is increasingly being reported not just in urban areas but across rural pockets as well. “A major issue is that many individuals remain undiagnosed because symptoms often appear subtle. Family history, obesity, and lifestyle patterns also play significant roles,” he added.
The endocrinologist said that diabetes can largely be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. “Replacing ultra-processed foods with nutritious alternatives, engaging in regular physical activity, and losing excess weight are the most effective preventive steps,” he said.
Another endocrinologist, Dr Shahnawaz Ahmad, said that over 50 per cent of diabetic patients do not realise they have the disease. He urged people, especially those with risk factors, to undergo regular screening.
“If you are above 35 and have obesity, hypertension, PCOD, a family history of diabetes, or diabetes during pregnancy, you should get your blood sugar checked at least once every year,” he advised.
Calling it a lifestyle-driven disease, Dr Shahnawaz recommended a daily 45-minute brisk walk and weight reduction for those struggling with obesity.
Doctors described diabetes as a “silent killer” whose prevalence is steadily rising in Kashmir. They stressed that modifying diet patterns, losing weight, and engaging in routine exercise can significantly reduce risk.
People with diabetes must adhere to prescribed medications and avoid unqualified practitioners, they said, adding that diabetes education is more important than treatment.
Explaining the difference between the two main types, doctors said Type 1 diabetes occurs when children or young adults fail to produce insulin due to pancreatic dysfunction—making it a lifelong condition. “In Type 2 diabetes, adults produce insulin, but the body becomes resistant to it. Excessive steroid use, self-medication, and carbohydrate-heavy diets are contributing to its rise,” they said.
Doctors warned that poorly controlled diabetes over long periods can lead to severe complications. These include heart disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), vision impairment (retinopathy), and even cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
According to official data, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has screened nearly 10 lakh people over the last three years, of whom 1.2 lakh were diagnosed with diabetes, highlighting the gravity of the situation—(KNO)