CHENNAI: The latest findings in Tamil Nadu regarding diabetes and hypertension show that many who are diagnosed do not take proper treatment for the same. Also, 71 percert of diabetics in the state have been found to have uncontrolled diabetes. Prof Vijay Viswanathan, managing director, M V Hospital for Diabetes, says diabetes and hypertension are indeed becoming a twin epidemic in the state, with 19% of those surveyed suffering from both diseases. Only 32% diabetics and 20% hypertensives had a positive family history. Furthermore, 9% were newly diagnosed cases from the patients who did not know that they had diabetes. “Shockingly, even amongst the diabetics undergoing treatment, 71% were ‘uncontrolled’ thereby emphasizing the need not only for regular testing but also for greater awareness of the correct treatment.”Dr Shashank Joshi, consultant endocrinologist, Lilavati Hospital, and national coordinator of the study, says, “The figures are alarmingly high and not only demands immediate attention but also the implementation of necessary measures. Nearly 60% of the non-hypertensive population screened were pre-hypertensive, and thus at high risk of becoming future hypertensives. In addition, nearly one of five patients (18%) in population screened was pre-diabetics.”The study also shows that of the patients who were hypertensive, 84% did not have their hypertension under control. Amongst those screened, 23% had no idea they were suffering from hypertension and were newly diagnosed. Dr Natarajan Sivakadaksham, consultant cardiologist, Sivai Cardiac Care Clinic, says, “These revelations highlight the importance of screening patients for risk factors to ensure tim- ely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications”.
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