HbA1c levels seen on the rise in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Novo Nordisk Education Foundation unveiled the first-year report of 'Indian Diabetes Care Index' (iDCI) under the Impact India: 1000-Day Challenge programme.

According to the report, HbA1c level, the best recommended indicator of long-term blood sugar control, increased from 8.50 % to 8.91 % in Hyderabad. The HbA1c test gives an idea about the average level of blood sugar control for 3 months. Around 2,100 people, comprising equally of men and women, with an average age of 52 years were part of the analysis in the city.

Dr Rakesh Sahay, Professor & Head, Department of Endocrinology, Osmania Medical College & Osmania General Hospital, said, "The recent India Diabetes Index suggests that the average blood sugar level of the city has seen a rise. This is alarming and appropriate efforts should be taken to manage diabetes effectively. It is important to stay fit, eat healthy food, take medications and monitor blood sugar level for effective management of diabetes".

Dr Anil Shinde, Trustee, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, said the programme was launched a year ago, to address the issue of sub optimally controlled diabetes in India. iDCI (Indian Diabetes Care Index) was introduced in 2018 as a part of the programme to improve diabetes care in the country. Based on big data analytics, iDCI® has been providing a real-time view of the average HbA1c in India across select cities. iDCI is a dynamic tool that not only tracks the status of diabetes care but also helps to increase awareness, motivate and sensitise the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and society, he said.