More research should be carried out to manage Type 2 diabetes: Experts

Doctors in the city feel that more clinical research should be carried out to manage Type 2 diabetes so that better, affordable and effective treatment options could be give to improve the quality of a diabetic’s life.

Eye on Diabetes is this year’s theme on World Diabetes Day which falls on 14 November.  

“Currently available treatment for diabetes has its limitations in terms of safety and efficacy in achieving glycemic control on long term basis and there is a need for exploring better treatment options, which is only possible through clinical research. Indians differ from other populations in terms of body build, genetic origin, and disease presentation. Hence, India needs more clinical trials in diabetes to develop more suitable and effective treatment options for the Indian population,” said Dr Vyankatesh Shivane, Consultant Diabetologist & Metabolic Physician.

It is estimated that by 2030, there will be more than 100 million patients living with diabetes in India. With the growing burden of diabetes in India, there will be a corresponding increase in diabetes related complications, many of which can be managed if the condition is detected on time.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, amputation and kidney failure. Data from the International Diabetes Federation indicates that one in two adults with diabetes are undiagnosed and up to 70 per cent of Type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles.

“Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes in India, our focus through clinical research should be to meet the yet to be met medical needs of diabetics and develop improved therapies that cut across all economic strata,” said 

Suneela Thatte, President of Indian Society for Clinical Research.The doctors maintained that change in lifestyle and regular exercise should be followed to control the disease.

“One hour exercise, three to four days along with intake of healthy diet should be followed to check spread of the disease,” the doctors maintained.