Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls Early Screening of Diabetes During Pregnancy a National Priority

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, a well-respected diabetologist and professor of medicine, while speaking on the rising epidemic of diabetes in India, laid stress on the need for early screening of diabetes with special reference to pregnant women. His address was made at the inaugural session of the annual National Diabetes Conference at the Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI).

Screening of All Pregnant Women
According to Dr. Singh, blood sugar tests should be performed on all pregnant women, whether they have any history or symptoms or not. In this way, the earlier onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may be checked for good long-term health of mother and baby alike. 

Impact on India’s Future Workforce

 Dr. Singh, emphasizing these wide-ranging socioeconomic considerations, put on record that the growing diabetes malaise among the youth is set to hit the Indian workforce badly in 2047, which is the centenary celebration of the nation’s independence. He made particular reference to diabetes prevention strategies needing to be woven into recognition and mainstream healthcare programs to maintain a healthy and productive populace.

Simple Screening Measures

Dr. Singh further welcomed the efforts put in by DIPSI under its founder Dr. V. Seshiya, who had developed the "Single Test Method" for diagnosing GDM. The screening method is cheap and efficient, making it applicable to all economic segments. Government hospitals and OPDs implementing such simple techniques can ensure an early diagnosis and control of diabetes. 

Public-Private Partnership in Healthcare

Contrasting the government and private sectors, Dr. Singh pointed to India's recent laurels in science, being the maker of the COVID-19 vaccine and gene therapy comprising a successful public-private partnership. He urged extending this model of collaboration to healthcare interventions, specifically for the prevention and control of diabetes, to reflect on the scientific and health landscape of this nation. 

Combatting Childhood Obesity

One in every three children in India suffers from obesity, the third-highest prevalence in the world. The trend has been setting in type 2 diabetes among youth early. Dr. Singh stressed the need to make this area a priority by strengthening it.

Dr. Jitendra Singh’s address at the DIPSI conference serves as a urgent call for collective action against the diabetes epidemic in India. By implementing universal screening for pregnant women, promoting public-private partnerships, and promoting lifestyle interventions, India can strive towards a healthier future, ensuring that the next generation is not burdened by treatable diseases.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal/MSM)