AHMEDABAD, Feb 15: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted today that Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has evolved from a mere medical concern to a national obligation. As a country rich in youth energy, it is crucial to channel these energies towards the greater goal of achieving a developed Bharat by 2047. He called for a comprehensive prevention initiative to address the alarming rise of diabetes among the young population, urging collaboration between society, the private sector, and government efforts. Dr. Singh advocated for a unified, technology-driven strategy to combat the growing health threat in India.
Speaking at the opening of the “World Diabetes Congress 2025” hosted by “Diabetes India,” the Minister underscored the urgent need for consolidated action against the increasing rates of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the nation to avert a significant public health emergency.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of the Ahmedabad Declaration, drawing parallels to Gujarat’s leadership in establishing the nation’s first Disaster Management Authority under then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. This precedent can inspire a similar movement against diabetes starting from Ahmedabad. “India has a legacy of converting challenges into prospects, and diabetes must follow suit,” he remarked.
The Minister advocated for dismantling barriers separating the public and private healthcare sectors, academia, and biotechnology developers to create a comprehensive, research-driven approach to diabetes management. He noted that the era of isolated work is behind us, and cooperation among government entities, private research organizations, and startups is vital for advancing early detection, prevention, and treatment methodologies for diabetes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that the Department of Space and the Department of Biotechnology have entered into a formal memorandum of understanding to explore human physiology in space, presenting new possibilities for diabetes research. This partnership aims to uncover significant insights into metabolic disorders and their dynamics in zero-gravity settings, which could enhance treatments and preventive measures for diabetes on Earth.
The Minister underlined that diabetes research and care must leverage advancements in biotechnology, AI-driven healthcare, and telemedicine. He cited India’s achievements in gene therapy trials for hemophilia, in partnership with leading medical institutions, as a prime example of how innovative research can transform chronic disease management.
He voiced concerns regarding the rising trend of unregulated dietary practices and self-identified health advisors, warning that misinformation could exacerbate India’s health crisis. “It is not just a lack of information that poses a threat, but the proliferation of disinformation that could endanger public health. While traditional medicine and modern therapies both have roles, they need to be validated through scientific evidence,” he stated.
He reflected that during the COVID-19 pandemic, even skeptics turned to traditional Indian medicine and integrated healthcare systems, recognizing their worth. “The lesson from the COVID-19 experience is unequivocal—our healthcare framework must embrace an inclusive model, merging conventional medicine with scientifically substantiated traditional practices,” he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted that India’s success in addressing diabetes could set a benchmark for global efforts, just as its advancements in space technology, biotechnology, and disaster management have influenced other nations. He encouraged researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to embrace bold, forward-thinking strategies in diabetes management and public health initiatives.
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh reinforced the belief that India can turn the diabetes challenge into an opportunity for innovation and global leadership in healthcare. He called upon all stakeholders to adopt a synergized, technology-oriented, and evidence-based approach to diabetes prevention and management, aiming for a healthier and more productive India by 2047.
Among the distinguished experts speaking at the inaugural session were President of the International Diabetes Federation Dr. Peter Shwartz, Padmashri Dr. Shashank Joshi, Dr. Banshi Saboo, Chief Organizer of the Conference, and RSSDI President Dr. Aravind.
