Diabetes epidemic

Tuesday 30th April 2019 17:32 EDT
 

It seems epidemic of type 2 diabetes is spreading like bush fire that engulfs everything in its path and Asian community is not spared either. Few decades back, it was hardly mentioned, not even in a GP surgery, now one in four beds in NHS hospital is occupied by diabetic patients, depriving NHS of £20 billion from its scare resources!

At one time it was presumed that our diet, especially over-consumption of sugar from eating sweets, such as penda, barfi made from almonds, cashew-nuts and pistachio Asians are so fond of, and overweight, obesity was more or less responsible for type 2 diabetics. But recent research suggests that the dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes is due to air pollution, affecting one in seven patients, according research carried out from the Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

According to experts, air pollution reduces body’s ability to act, thus developing insulin resistance.  Pollution is also blamed for weight gain and depression. London is the most polluted city in Britain and harbours most diabetic patients. The amputation cases have risen dramatically, occupying much needed operation theatres, thus affecting other patients and increasing waiting time for hip and knee operations, mainly affecting older people. No wonder many such patients are going private rather than suffering excruciating pain in silence! Even home buyers are getting wiser and avoiding High Streets and Carriage Ways when buying a house!

The pollution high-spots in London are the City, Westminster, Chelsea and many hot-spots even in outer borrows where traffic is concentrated. Another effective way is to plant trees that may reduce pollution by up to 35%. Unfortunately the trend is the opposite, to pave front and back gardens, as working people do not have much time or inclination to tend gardens!

One has to be careful going online, as so many remedies are advertised on internet which may do more harm than good. The best remedy is to consult your GP who would carry out blood test and will make an appointment to see a Consultant if necessary. It is better to be wise than sorry!    

Kumudini Valambia

By email


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