Detailing the results of an informal study conducted by him, Dr Singh said: “The highest number of diabetes cases (20 per cent) was found in Ludhiana while the lowest incidence of the disease was in Lahaul and Spiti (less than 1 per cent).”

With the urban as well as rural population afflicted with the ailment, the doctor said: “In India, diabetes is not an epidemic anymore — it has turned pandemic.”

According to Dr Singh, the poor spend about 25 per cent of their income on the management of diabetes. Currently, up to 11 per cent of India’s urban population and 3 per cent of the rural population above the age of 15 has diabetes.

“There has been an almost 20 per cent increase in the number of people being diagnosed with diabetes each year.” The factors responsible for the upsurge are: sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, obesity, stress and higher intake of refined cereals as well as high fat and calorie-dense food.

Talking about World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, Dr Singh said diabetes is a concern the world over. The date also marks the birth anniversary of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1921.

“All said and done, diabetes is a very common condition which can cause an early death. Though with better treatment options available nowadays, it can be controlled,” added Dr Singh.