Diabetes and hypertension: The twin epidemic

Aventis Pharma Limited (Group Sanofi) announced recently findings of the SITE (Screening India’s Twin Epidemic) study for the state of Karnataka as well as the national results for the eight states Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, New Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.The Sanofi SITE study for Karnataka included close to 2000 patients in the state across Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore.SITE, conducted by Sanofi, is the first crosssectional study to assess the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed cases of diabetes and hypertension using a sample size of nearly 16,000 patients who visit General Practitioners and Consulting Physicians in the major Indian cities.The study has surveyed patients across 800 centers mainly in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, New Delhi, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.The objective of the Sanofi SITE study is to quantify the concurrent incidence of diabetes and hypertension and to increase awareness of what is called the ‘Twin Epidemic’ with alarming implications for healthcare in India. Dr Mohan Badgandi, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Consultant - Head of the Department, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore and Dr S S Iyengar Professor and Head of Department of Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore are the State Coordinators of the Sanofi SITE study in Karnataka.Says Dr Mohan Badgandi, “The Sanofi SITE Karnataka data reveals that diabetes and hypertension are indeed becoming a twin epidemic in the state, with 17 per cent of those surveyed suffering from both diseases. Furthermore, in nearly seven per cent of the newly diagnosed cases the patients did not know that they had diabetes.Shockingly, even amongst the diabetics undergoing treatment, 69 per cent were ‘uncontrolled’ thereby emphasising the need not only for regular testing but also for greater awareness about the correct treatment regime.” Dr Mohan Badgandi further states, “The Sanofi SITE Karnataka study shows that of the patients who were known hypertensive, over 84 per cent did not have their hypertension under control. The data further reveals that 25 per cent of the hypertension patients suffer from kidney complications. Surprisingly, amongst those screened twelve per cent had no idea they were suffering from hypertension and were newly diagnosed. These revelations highlight the importance of screening patients for risk factors to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications”.Says Dr Bhaswati Mukherjee, Associate Director, Medical Affairs Cardio-Metabolism, Sanofi India, “Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension have a major impact not only on national health but also on the economy. Through the Sanofi SITE study we hope to provide medical professionals with valuable insights on the twin epidemic of Diabetes and Hypertension. We also want to create awareness amongst them and patients about screening for these diseases regularly. The Sanofi SITE study is a testament of our commitment to disease management and we want to be closely involved in addressing one of India’s key public health issues.”Dr Shashank Joshi, Consultant Endocrinologist, Lilavati Hospital and National Coordinator of the study says, “The Sanofi SITE National study shows that 60 per cent of the population is suffering from diabetes, hypertension or both.This figure is alarmingly high and not only demands immediate attention but also the implementation of necessary measures.