Qamr-Ul-Naseer
Dr. Bilal A. Bhat
Diabetes is not a newly discovered disease. Its existence has been recognised for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian medical writings dating back to approximately 1550 BCE described symptoms resembling diabetes, particularly excessive urination. Ancient Indian physicians also recognised conditions associated with excessive thirst, frequent urination and sweet-tasting urine. The Sanskrit terms Madhumeha, meaning honey-like urine, and Prameha were used to describe related conditions. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated levels of glucose, commonly known as blood sugar. Glucose is an essential source of energy for the human body and is obtained primarily from carbohydrates in food. The hormone insulin, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, helps glucose enter body cells and regulates its concentration in the blood. Diabetes develops when the body does not produce sufficient insulin, cannot use insulin effectively, or experiences a combination of these problems. Consequently, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, resulting in hyperglycaemia. If diabetes remains uncontrolled for a prolonged period, it can damage several organs, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and nerves. It may lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, vision impairment, nerve damage and foot complications.
Diabetes is a manageable condition, and many of its complications can be prevented or delayed through early diagnosis, appropriate medication, healthy lifestyle practices and regular monitoring. Diabetes is generally classified into three major types:
(i) Type 1 Diabetes: It is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Consequently, the body produces little or no insulin. It can develop during childhood, adolescence or adulthood and is not caused simply by eating sugar or being overweight. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin treatment and regular medical supervision.
(ii) Type 2 Diabetes: It is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin and the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Its development is associated with several factors, including genetic susceptibility, overweight, abdominal obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits and increasing age. However, it can also occur in younger and apparently healthy individuals.
(iii) Gestational Diabetes: It develops during pregnancy when blood glucose levels become elevated. It may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery and may also increase the future risk of type 2 diabetes in both the mother and child. It is important to mention here that early detection, appropriate dietary management, physical activity as medically advised and professional monitoring are essential.
The word diabetes is associated with the Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia, who described the disease in the second century CE. The term mellitus, derived from Latin and referring to sweetness, was later added to distinguish diabetes associated with sugar in the urine.A major breakthrough occurred in the nineteenth century when researchers established the role of the pancreas in diabetes. In 1889, Oskar Minkowski and Joseph von Mering demonstrated that removal of the pancreas in dogs resulted in diabetes.The most significant development in diabetes treatment occurred in 1921–1922, when Frederick Banting, Charles Best, J. J. R. Macleod and James Collip contributed to the discovery and development of insulin as a treatment. Insulin transformed diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, from a frequently fatal condition into a manageable chronic disease. Frederick Banting was born on 14 November 1891. His birthday was selected for the annual observance of World Diabetes Day, recognising the historic contribution of insulin research to humanity. World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to the growing global burden of diabetes.
The observance received formal international recognition when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 61/225 in December 2006, declaring 14 November as World Diabetes Day. Since then, the day has become an important international platform for diabetes awareness, prevention, education, advocacy and improved healthcare services. Every year, healthcare institutions, governments, universities, schools, voluntary organisations and civil society groups organise awareness programmes, medical camps, educational activities, screening initiatives and public campaigns. World Diabetes Day observed annually on 14 November is not merely a symbolic observance. It is an opportunity to encourage individuals to assess their health risks, seek timely medical advice and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Theme Of World Diabetes Day 2026: “Early Action on Diabetes”, emphasises that prevention, timely recognition and early treatment are fundamental to reducing the burden of diabetes. The World Health Organization highlights that more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes worldwide remain undiagnosed. Many individuals do not recognise the symptoms until complications develop. The theme encourages people to recognise warning signs, undergo appropriate screening, seek medical advice and avoid delays in diagnosis. Early diagnosis is important for several reasons. It allows individuals to begin treatment before complications develop, provides an opportunity to control blood glucose levels and supports the adoption of healthier habits.
Global And Indian Status Of Diabetes: Diabetes has become a major public health challenge worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation’s estimates, approximately 589 million adults aged 20–79 years were living with diabetes in 2024. The global burden is expected to increase substantially in coming decades if preventive measures and healthcare services are not strengthened.A considerable proportion of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to screening, medicines and specialist care may be limited.India is among the countries with the largest diabetes populations in the world. The Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in 2023, estimated that approximately 101 million people in India were living with diabetes and 136 million had prediabetes, based on its national study data.These findings indicate that diabetes prevention and control must become a priority for India’s public health system. Particular attention is required for rural populations, economically disadvantaged groups and individuals who may not have access to regular screening and treatment.
Present Status of Diabetes in Kashmir. The researchers reported that in Jammu and Kashmir Diabetes has emerged as an important health concern, including the Kashmir Valley.
Major Causes And Risk Factors Of Diabetes: Diabetes develops through a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and lifestyle factors. Although type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different underlying mechanisms, several risk factors are particularly relevant to type 2 diabetes.
(a) Unhealthy Dietary Habits: Frequent consumption of foods rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fats and excess calories can contribute to weight gain and metabolic problems. In Kashmir, changing food habits, increased consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages, bakery products and energy-dense meals may contribute to unhealthy dietary patterns when consumed excessively. Traditional foods should not automatically be considered harmful. The emphasis should be on balanced portions, nutritional diversity and moderation.
“To combat the rising burden of undiagnosed diabetes, pre-diabetes, obesity, and hypertension in Jammu and Kashmir, timely intervention and early screening are essential. Addressing this public health challenge requires a multi-sectoral approach involving families, communities, and government bodies, alongside individual commitments to healthy diets, regular physical activity, and tobacco avoidance to build a healthier society.”
(b) Physical Inactivity And Modern Occupations, increased screen time, motorised transport and reduced outdoor activity have contributed to sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight management and helps maintain cardiovascular health.
(c) Obesity And Abdominal Fat: Excess body weight, particularly abdominal obesity, is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Fat accumulation around internal organs can contribute to insulin resistance.
(d) Family History And Genetic Susceptibility: Individuals with a family history of diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing the condition. However, genetic susceptibility does not mean diabetes is inevitable. Healthy lifestyle practices and regular medical monitoring can help reduce risk.
(e) Increasing Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes generally increases with age, although younger adults and children are increasingly affected.
(f) Stress And Sleep Disturbances: Chronic stress, inadequate sleep and irregular daily routines may contribute to metabolic disturbances and unhealthy behaviours. These factors should be addressed as part of overall health management.
(G) Smoking And Alcohol Consumption: Smoking increases cardiovascular risks and may contribute to insulin resistance. Alcohol consumption can also complicate blood glucose management, particularly when excessive or combined with certain medications.
(h) Other Medical Conditions: Hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, previous gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome may be associated with increased diabetes risk. It is important to remember that diabetes is not caused by one single factor. A person may develop diabetes even without obvious lifestyle risk factors, and the disease should never be treated as a personal failure.
Symptoms And Warning Signs: Early recognition of diabetes symptoms is essential. Common warning signs include:- Excessive thirst.- Frequent urination.- Increased hunger.- Unexplained weight loss.- Persistent tiredness.-Blurred vision.- Slow healing of wounds.-Recurrent infections.- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.Some people with type 2 diabetes may experience few or no noticeable symptoms for several years.Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice and appropriate blood glucose testing. Type 1 diabetes may develop rapidly and can become a medical emergency if treatment is delayed.
Remedies, Prevention And Control: Although diabetes cannot always be prevented, particularly type 1 diabetes, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can often be reduced or delayed. For individuals already diagnosed, appropriate treatment and lifestyle management can significantly improve health outcomes.
(1). Promote Healthy Eating: A balanced diet is central to diabetes prevention and management. People should consume a variety of vegetables, fruits in appropriate portions, whole grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and other nutritious foods. Excessive consumption of sugary drinks, sweets, processed foods and high-calorie meals should be reduced. Portion control is important, and individual dietary advice should be obtained from qualified healthcare professionals. Kashmir’s traditional dietary practices can be encouraged where they support nutritional balance, while excessive calorie intake and unhealthy preparation methods should be avoided.
(2) Encourage Regular Physical Activity: Adults should generally aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, subject to individual health conditions and medical advice.Walking, cycling, swimming, gardening and other suitable activities can help maintain a healthy body weight and improve insulin sensitivity.For people living in Kashmir, walking in suitable surroundings, participating in recreational sports and incorporating physical activity into daily routines can be practical measures.
(3). Maintain Healthy Body Weight: Weight management is particularly important for individuals who are overweight or obese. Even modest, sustained weight reduction can improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
(4). Undertake Regular Screening: Individuals with risk factors such as obesity, family history, hypertension, previous gestational diabetes or advancing age should discuss screening with healthcare professionals. Blood glucose testing, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c are commonly used diagnostic tools. The appropriate test and interpretation should be determined by qualified medical professionals.
(5) Follow Medical Advice And Treatment: People diagnosed with diabetes should follow prescribed treatment and attend regular medical appointments. Medication, including insulin when required, should never be discontinued or altered without professional advice.Self-medication, unverified remedies and claims of permanent cures should be avoided.
(6). Monitor Blood Glucose, Related Health Indicators: Regular monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and eye health is important for preventing complications. Patients should receive individualised guidance regarding monitoring frequency and treatment targets.
(7). Improve Sleep And Manage Stress: Adequate sleep, stress management, family support and healthy daily routines contribute to overall wellbeing.Yoga, relaxation exercises, social engagement and other suitable activities may support stress management, but they should complement—not replace—medical treatment.
(8). Avoid Tobacco And Harmful Alcohol: Use Tobacco cessation and avoidance of harmful alcohol consumption are important measures for reducing cardiovascular and other health risks.
(9). Strengthen Community Awareness: Schools, colleges, universities, religious institutions, local organisations and media outlets can play an important role in spreading accurate information about diabetes. Awareness programmes should focus on symptoms, screening, healthy dietary practices, physical activity and the importance of medical treatment.
Role Of Govt, Universities And Healthcare Institutions: The prevention and control of diabetes require collective responsibility. Government health departments should strengthen primary healthcare services, improve access to screening facilities and ensure the availability of affordable medicines and insulin. Healthcare institutions should organise diabetes screening camps, awareness lectures, nutritional counselling and educational programmes, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas. Universities and research institutions in Jammu and Kashmir can contribute through epidemiological studies, statistical analysis, community surveys and evidence-based policy recommendations. Agricultural universities, in particular, can promote research on nutrition, food habits, rural lifestyles and the relationship between dietary practices and health. The media should disseminate scientifically accurate information and discourage misconceptions about diabetes. Community leaders and voluntary organisations can encourage healthy living and support individuals with diabetes. World Diabetes Day should also inspire policymakers to integrate diabetes prevention into broader programmes addressing obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases.
Conclusion: Let Early Action Become a Movement World Diabetes Day 2026, provides an important opportunity to renew our commitment to diabetes prevention, early diagnosis and comprehensive healthcare. The theme, “Early Action on Diabetes,” conveys a powerful message that timely intervention can save lives, prevent complications and improve the quality of life of millions of people. The available findings from Jammu and Kashmir indicate that diabetes and related metabolic disorders deserve serious public health attention. The presence of undiagnosed diabetes, pre-diabetes, obesity and hypertension highlights the need for continuous surveillance, public awareness and effective preventive strategies. The fight against diabetes cannot be limited to hospitals and medical professionals. It requires participation from families, educational institutions, government departments, researchers, community organisations and individuals. Every person can contribute by adopting healthier food habits, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy body weight and seeking timely medical advice. On this World Diabetes Day, let us pledge to promote awareness, encourage early screening, support people living with diabetes and work towards a healthier society. Early diagnosis, healthy living and collective action are the foundations of a diabetes-free future for generations to come.
( Qamr-Ul-Naseer is Ph.D.Research Scholar at SKUAST-Kashmir and Dr Bilal A Bhat Professor & Head (Agri. Econ & Statistics, FOA at S K University Of Agriculture Sciences & Technology Kashmir SKUAST-K. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
