Jitendra Singh Calls for National Action on Diabetes Prevention in Pregnancy

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said that preventing diabetes in pregnancy is critical to control its rising burden and underscored the urgent need for early diabetes screening, particularly in pregnant women, to curb the rapidly spreading epidemic of diabetes in India.

Speaking at the 19th Annual Conference of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI), he emphasized that gestational diabetes is not just a medical issue, but a national responsibility, given its long-term impact on maternal and child health. “Gestational diabetes affects not just the mother, but also the future of an entire generation. Preventing diabetes in pregnancy can halt the spread of this epidemic. Tackling this must be a collective national effort,” he stressed,

The Minister urged the policymakers and healthcare professionals to integrate preventive measures into mainstream health programs.

Jitendra Singh, a diabetologist himself, highlighted the concerning prevalence of diabetes in young Indians and warned that if left unchecked, it could severely impact India's workforce by 2047, the centenary of the country’s independence.

“We talk about India being a young nation, but if our youth’s energy is drained by diabetes and its complications, we are putting the future at risk,” he stated. The Union Minister noted that gestational diabetes affects nearly 15-20 percent of pregnant women in India, significantly higher than global averages, making its prevention a critical public health priority.

Warning of a looming diabetes crisis, Jitendra Singh pointed out that India is facing an alarming rise in type 2 diabetes among younger populations, driven by lifestyle changes and increasing obesity rates.

He cautioned that without immediate intervention, the country could witness an explosion of diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and neurological disorders.

“This is not just a health challenge; it is a socio-economic issue. If a large section of our working-age population is battling diabetes, it will impact national productivity and burden our healthcare system,” he said, calling for urgent action through awareness campaigns, lifestyle interventions, and early screenings.

Jitendra Singh suggested implementing a simplified screening process in government hospitals and OPDs, wherein volunteers could conduct basic BMI and glucose measurements for early detection.