Addressing the Foundation Day of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh proposed launching a mass campaign focused on the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among the younger population. Speaking at the India International Centre, the Minister also warned against the spread of diabetes-related misinformation, which he said can often be unintentional but harmful.
RSSDI, India’s largest organisation dedicated to diabetes research and education, marked its Foundation Day with the theme “RSSDI – Past, Present and Future.” The event brought together experts and scholars from across the country.
Dr Jitendra Singh, himself an internationally recognised endocrinologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, used the occasion to challenge persistent myths surrounding diabetes and metabolic disorders. He voiced concern over India’s continued distinction as the “Diabetes Capital of the World,” with one in every three Indians suffering from some form of metabolic dysfunction.
Reiterating the national health objectives laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Singh emphasized the government’s goal to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 10%. He particularly highlighted conditions associated with fatty liver, visceral fat, and obesity. “Public health messaging must move beyond academic journals and reach the general public in an institutionalized, evidence-based manner,” he said, stressing the importance of early prevention under the dictum, “Treat Diabetes before it Occurs – Prevention better than cure.”
Dr Singh cited a landmark study from the Indian Prevention of Diabetes Study (IPDS), led by Prof. S.V. Madhu, which demonstrated the effectiveness of Yoga in preventing the onset of diabetes. He informed that the study findings have been submitted to the Ministry of Health with the involvement of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
The Minister called for a national, institutional strategy that bridges the gap between academic research and community health outcomes, especially for high-risk populations. He also debunked several prevailing myths, including the belief that eating “one meal a day” can help control diabetes. Instead, he advocated for a more informed approach to nutrition that considers both the quality and quantity of meals.
The event served as a platform to reflect on RSSDI’s contributions to diabetes research and set the tone for collaborative efforts in addressing India’s growing burden of lifestyle diseases.
