Dr. R. Balamurugan calls for Statewide action to Combat rising Diabesity

Dr. R. Balamurugan, Chief Diabetologist at Kovai Diabetes Speciality Center and Hospital and Chairman of the Diabetes Awareness Committee, IMA Tamil Nadu, has called for urgent public awareness and government intervention to address the growing threat of diabesity, a combination of diabetes and obesity.
In a statement, Dr. Balamurugan said India was facing a serious challenge from the twin conditions, with an increasing number of younger people affected. Citing the ICMR-INDIAB Study 2023, he said India had an estimated 10.1 crore people with diabetes and around 35 crore people who were overweight or obese. He also noted that more than 75 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes in Tamil Nadu were overweight or obese.
He attributed the growing prevalence to lifestyle changes, sedentary occupations, high-carbohydrate diets, inadequate physical activity, lack of awareness, stress and insufficient sleep. He warned that diabesity could increase the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, fatty liver disease, stroke and other complications. As part of the proposed IMA Tamil Nadu Diabesity Control Strategy, he outlined a seven-point action plan focusing on early screening, dietary changes, regular exercise, scientific medical management, improved sleep, school-level interventions and public awareness.
He urged people above 30 to regularly monitor their body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and blood pressure. Those above 25 with a family history of diabetes should also undergo screening, he said.
The IMA proposed promoting a balanced Tamil Plate Method, encouraging traditional millets, vegetables and protein-rich foods, and reducing the consumption of sugary drinks, refined flour products and fried foods. Dr. Balamurugan also recommended regular physical activity, including 45 minutes of brisk walking daily, along with adequate sleep and stress management.
He called on the government to include HbA1c testing in master health check-ups, strengthen health education in schools and promote awareness programmes across Tamil Nadu. The IMA Tamil Nadu State Branch would use its network of more than 50,000 doctors to conduct awareness activities across all 38 districts, he added.
He also urged schools to discourage sugary drinks and junk food and introduce health education to promote healthy habits among children. Families, he said, should encourage nutritious food choices and regular physical activity.
Dr. Balamurugan appealed to the public not to ignore the risks associated with obesity and diabetes, emphasising that early screening, appropriate medical care and lifestyle changes could help prevent complications. He called for diabesity to be recognised as a public health priority in Tamil Nadu.