Saqib Rather
Srinagar, Aug 7: Doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are raising concern over the growing number of people being diagnosed with prediabetes, describing it as an often-overlooked condition that can silently progress to Type 2 diabetes if timely action is not taken.
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Medical experts say the condition usually causes no obvious symptoms, leaving many people unaware of the risk.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the global burden of diabetes continues to rise, with unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity and sedentary lifestyles among the major contributing factors.
Doctors in Kashmir say increasing consumption of processed foods, reduced physical activity and prolonged screen time are contributing to metabolic health problems, particularly among urban populations and younger adults.
“Prediabetes is not a disease people can feel, which is why it often remains undetected,” said Dr. Sadiya Yousuf, Consultant Endocrinologist. “Many patients discover they have elevated blood sugar levels only during routine tests or investigations for unrelated health problems.”
Medical experts explain that individuals who are overweight, physically inactive, have a family history of diabetes or suffer from high blood pressure may have a higher risk of developing prediabetes. Women with a history of gestational diabetes and people with conditions such as obesity are also considered at greater risk.
Doctors say simple blood tests can identify prediabetes, providing an opportunity to adopt healthier habits before diabetes develops.
“Prediabetes should be viewed as a warning sign rather than a diagnosis to fear,” said Dr. Haris Qadri, Consultant Physician. “Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, healthy eating and weight management, can significantly reduce the risk of progression to diabetes.”
Nutrition experts recommend reducing the intake of sugary beverages, highly processed foods and excess salt while increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibre-rich foods. They also stress the importance of regular physical activity.
“Even 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week can improve blood sugar control,” said Dr. Nusrat Jan, Clinical Nutrition Specialist. “Small changes sustained over time can have a meaningful impact on long-term health.”
Patients diagnosed with prediabetes say the condition often comes as a surprise.
“I had no symptoms and felt completely healthy,” said Sameer, a 42-year-old resident of Srinagar. “A routine health check-up showed my blood sugar was elevated. It motivated me to become more physically active and improve my diet.”
Public health experts say awareness about preventive healthcare remains limited, with many people seeking medical advice only after complications develop.
They encourage adults, particularly those with risk factors, to discuss appropriate screening with their healthcare providers.
“The greatest advantage of identifying prediabetes is that it gives people time to act,” said a senior public health specialist. “Prevention is far easier than managing diabetes and its complications later.”
Doctors say the rise in prediabetes reflects broader lifestyle changes and serves as a reminder that chronic diseases often begin long before symptoms appear. For health experts, the message is clear, a simple blood test and timely lifestyle changes today may help prevent diabetes tomorrow.
