India’s diabetes–heart risk spotted; experts urge proactive screening
India
’s clinicians are warning that people with diabetes face a markedly higher risk of heart disease, and are calling for earlier, routine cardiovascular screening and tighter risk control.
A World Heart Month special highlights India’s unique profile: younger age of diabetes onset, central obesity, high triglycerides, hypertension, and smoking exposure—all of which accelerate atherosclerotic disease.
Specialists recommend annual risk assessment for every person with diabetes, alongside regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and weight, with rapid escalation of therapy when targets aren’t met.
They also stress proven heart-protective steps: daily physical activity, tobacco cessation, sleep hygiene, and structured nutrition with salt and sugar reduction.
For high-risk patients, doctors are increasingly using modern glucose-lowering drugs with demonstrated cardiac benefits, alongside standard therapies.
Hospitals, employers and insurers are expanding preventive packages and wellness programs, but experts say outcomes will improve only if patients seek early screening and adhere consistently to treatment.
