Diabetes Andhra Pradesh
- Although no state wide data are available, several studies show a high prevalence of diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes in a unique sample of 3307 workers (mean age 43, 12% women) of a political party drawn from all over the state was 24%.1 Other studies have reported a diabetes prevalence of 17% in Hyderabad which was second only to Kerala.2
- Very high rates of development of diabetes in renal transplant patients have been reported from this state. 29% of non-diabetics developed diabetes after transplantation in 5 years.3
- Diabetes and hypertension co-exist frequently resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of hypertension in diabetes is 1.5-2 times higher than that reported in the general population. Many diabetics have hypertension at the time of initial diagnosis.4 Amongst the currently available antihypertensive agents, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers are the favored agents in people with diabetes.4
- Endogamy is common through out the Indian subcontinent. According to Professor Ram Murthy, Professor of Health Communication at the Indian Institute of Health and Family Welfare, as high as 40% of marriages in Andhra Pradesh are consanguineous (marriage among close relatives). Girls getting married to “ mena bhava (cousin) or mena mama (maternal uncle)” is common in Andhra Pradesh for a variety of reasons. This practice is common even among political leaders and movie stars.
- The risk of diabetes, a hereditary disease, is particularly high among those with family history of diabetes and is further increased with consanguinity.
- High glycemic load from white rice, endogamy, and consanguinity are potential reasons for the twin epidemic of diabetes and heart disease in Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India.
Sources
1. Reddy NK, Kumar DN, Rayudu NV, Sastry BK, Raju BS. Prevalence of risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis in a cross-sectional population of Andhra Pradesh. Indian Heart J. Nov-Dec 2002;54(6):697-701.
2. Mohan V, Sandeep S, Deepa R, Shah B, Varghese C. Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes: Indian scenario. Indian J Med Res. Mar 2007;125(3):217-230.
3. Madhav D, Ram R, Dakshinamurty KV. Posttransplant diabetes mellitus: analysis of risk factors, effects on biochemical parameters and graft function 5 years after renal transplantation. Transplant Proc. Dec 2010;42(10):4069-4071.
4. Sahay BK, Sahay RK. Hypertension in diabetes. J Indian Med Assoc. Jan 2003;101(1):12, 14-15, 44.