Diabetes Is Reaching Rural India: Dr Jitendra Singh Calls for National Action

Diabetes is becoming a bigger problem in rural India, with an increasing number of cases being reported in rural regions. Many patients may also be unaware of the need for regular monitoring and follow-up care.

According to Dr Jitendra Singh, diabetes prevention should be a national priority. India needs to focus not only on treating diabetes, but also on preventing new cases, detecting the disease early, and providing regular care and follow-up.

Why early detection matters

Diabetes can exist for years without clear symptoms. Some people may discover that they have diabetes only after complications begin to appear. High blood sugar can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. Early testing can help identify diabetes or high blood sugar sooner.

Early prevention requires immediate action, including making healthier food choices, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, taking medication when required and having regular health check-ups.

Rural regions need better healthcare

People in villages may have to travel long distances to reach doctors and large hospitals. This can make testing and regular check-ups difficult. Rural communities therefore need better access to diabetes screening, medical advice, treatment and regular follow-up care.

The RSSDI Rural Outreach Programme is working to bring diabetes awareness, screening and treatment closer to rural communities. The programme has already reached more than 30 villages and is planned to expand to more areas.

Technology can help

A new RSSDI Diabetes Rural Outreach Digital Portal has also been launched. The portal can help healthcare teams maintain records of test results, treatments, follow-up visits and patient progress.

Digital records can make it easier for healthcare workers to track patients. The information collected can also help researchers understand how diabetes is affecting rural communities.

India’s young population also needs protection

More than 70% of India’s population is below the age of 40, according to Singh’s remarks. Diabetes is also affecting younger adults. Developing diabetes at a younger age can mean living with the disease for many years, making prevention and early detection especially important.

The next steps

Dr Jitendra Singh called for greater cooperation between the government, doctors, universities, researchers, technology companies, private organisations and local healthcare workers.

Diabetes cannot be managed through treatment alone. There needs to be a stronger focus on prevention, early detection, regular treatment, long-term follow-up and health awareness.

The main message is clear: diabetes is no longer only an urban health problem. Rural regions are also facing a significant burden from the disease. Better screening, improved healthcare access, technology and healthier lifestyles could help India reduce diabetes-related complications and improve long-term health outcomes.