West Bengal’s growing burden of diabetes and associated metabolic disorders is creating a stronger need for early screening, preventive healthcare and long-term risk management, doctors said, citing data from the ICMR-INDIAB study. The study found diabetes prevalence at 13.7% in the state, while 23.5% of the population was classified as prediabetic. Hypertension affected 42.4% and high cholesterol 27%.
The trend is also reflected in Kolkata, where a community-based study of 388 adults aged 18-49 years found metabolic syndrome in 44.6% of participants. Central obesity was recorded in 68.6%, while elevated fasting glucose, raised blood pressure and reduced HDL cholesterol affected 41.5%, 45.1% and 64.9%, respectively.
From a Kolkata market perspective, the findings indicate expanding opportunities for preventive healthcare services, diagnostic screening, diabetes management and cardiovascular risk monitoring, particularly as urban consumers increasingly focus on early detection and lifestyle-related health risks.
Dr Gaurab Bhaduri, Senior Consultant, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Apollo Sugar Clinic, Kolkata, said prediabetes provides an important window for intervention through diet, physical activity, weight management and regular monitoring. Dr P K Hazra, Director, Cardiac Cath Lab, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata, said metabolic disorders can significantly increase cardiovascular risks.
