Urgent need to boost healthcare for chronic diabetes patients
The Statesman | 15 November 2025
With a quarter of the 21st Century almost over, diabetes remains a major global health concern among both young and old. The complexities from this non-communicable disease tear into the fabric of society, with problems ranging from costs of treatment to the debilitating conditions of those affected.
The United Nations has recognised 14 November as World Diabetes Day since 2006 in a bid to build awareness and consciousness about ways and means to control and combat the disease. The theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day, adopted by the World Health Organisation, is “Diabetes across life stages,” and recognises that every person living with diabetes should have access to integrated care, supportive environments and policies that promote health, dignity and self-management.
Data from recent studies indicate a high prevalence, with an overall 12.4 per cent rate in a study of older adults, significantly higher in urban areas (19 per cent) than rural (6 per cent). Other data from a recent study reports an overall diabetes prevalence of 12.41 per cent among older adults in West Bengal, with urban areas showing a prevalence of 19 per cent compared to 6 per cent in rural areas.
According to the study, published in the April 2025 issue of Science Direct, nearly one-fourth of older adults with diabetes in West Bengal experience limitations in activities of daily living. The prevalence of daily living difficulties among older adults with diabetes was 24.1 per cent in West Bengal compared to 18.9 per cent at the national level. The risk of disability among diabetic elderly was significantly higher in West Bengal.
There is, therefore, an urgent need to enhance healthcare services for individuals in West Bengal who face higher levels of diabetes and disability, speakers at a programme organised in the city by Diabetes Awareness & You said. The social welfare organisation held skits to allay misconceptions and portray ways and means to avail treatment at hospitals and homes.
A weeklong survey was also conducted by a tertiary care hospital on CIT Road among admitted patients.