Is India Winning the War Against Rising Non-Communicable Diseases? The latest health statistics paint a concerning picture: diabetes, heart disease, and cancer rates are climbing, impacting millions across the country. From rural healthcare access to the burgeoning urban health crisis, challenges remain significant. This week, we delve into the crucial initiatives underway – government policies, technological advancements in telemedicine, and the rising role of preventative healthcare – that aim to address this national health emergency. Experts weigh in on the effectiveness of current strategies and the critical need for increased public awareness campaigns targeting lifestyle diseases. Are these efforts enough? Explore Abtak.com's in-depth coverage on healthcare in India and discover the vital information you need to protect your well-being and the future of public health. Stay informed; stay healthy.
Mumbai: In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers from IIT Bombay, along with IIT Kanpur and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, have discovered a key factor that speeds up the worsening of type 2 diabetes. This finding could help in developing better diabetes medicines in the future. The study found that a substance called fibrillar collagen I, which is part of the body's support structure (extracellular matrix), plays a role in the harmful clumping of a hormone called amylin inside the pancreas. These toxic clumps damage the insulin-producing β-cells, making it harder for the body to control blood sugar levels. "Collagen-I acts like train tracks that guide the harmful clumps in the pancreas," explained Prof. Shamik Sen from IIT Bombay, who led the study. The research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Amylin is normally released along with insulin, but in people with diabetes, it tends to fold incorrectly and form toxic clumps. Until now, scientists didn't know what caused this. The team used advanced techniques to show that amylin sticks to collagen I, which makes the clumping worse and more toxic. They also examined tissues from diabetic mice and human pancreas samples and found that both collagen and amylin levels increased together as the disease progressed. This discovery opens new doors for treatment. The researchers are now designing drugs that can block or stop the interaction between amylin and collagen, which could protect the β-cells and improve diabetes treatment. "This might be the reason why some current treatments don't work well," said Prof. Sen. "Targeting the amylin-collagen link could change the way we treat diabetes." The team is also working on pancreas tissue repair methods, including transplanting insulin-producing cells with the help of 3D structures that mimic the natural environment -- offering hope for reversing diabetes damage.
Experts suggest that fasting needs special care when you're on anti-ageing drugs. Photo: Instagram In the search for glowing skin, youthful energy, and prolonged vitality, many people turn to a combination of anti-ageing treatments and multivitamin supplements. From collagen and glutathione to NAD+ boosters and fat-soluble vitamins, these regimens are becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, fasting (intermittent fasting, juice cleanse, restricted fasting and more) has emerged as a go-t ...Read More >
Lucknow: Two days after a Lucknow-based real estate businessman died by suicide after going live on Facebook, the Gudamba police on Friday registered an FIR against 10 individuals for alleged abetment, mental harassment, and extortion. They were named based on the deceased's pre-recorded statement on FB.The deceased, who operated from a small rented office near Tedhipulia crossing, had shot himself in the head using a guard's licensed firearm on Wednesday afternoon. Just 15 minutes prior, the 36-year-old had gone live on social media, detailing the financial and emotional turmoil that led him ...Read More >
GURGAON: The investigation into the murder of a 25-year-old former international tennis player, allegedly by her father, has revealed a sudden deterioration in their relationship. The apparent reason was a disagreement over the academy she ran near their house, but the roots clearly run deeper. The father, who claims to have spent Rs 2 crore on his daughter's tennis career, told interrogators he was troubled by questions about her "character" that some of his associates had raised.Deepak Yadav, who shot Radhika at their house Thursday morning, had allegedly been insisting for two weeks on her ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): The Indian government expressed regret on Tuesday over the reported demolition of the ancestral property of celebrated filmmaker and writer Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh and expressed its willingness to extend cooperation in its restoration. "We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished," the Ministry of External Affairs said. Also Read | India Urges Bangladesh ...Read More >
Varanasi: The vital parameters of renowned classical vocalist Padma Vibhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, who was shifted to the ICU of SSL Hospital of BHU on Saturday, showed signs of stabilization and improvement on Monday.According to a medical bulletin issued by the hospital on Monday, Mishra is currently on non-invasive ventilator support and is receiving appropriate antibiotic therapy, insulin, and other supportive treatment measures. The 89-year-old maestro was admitted to the ICU on Sept 13 in a critical condition. He has a history of Type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoarthriti ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Overdependence on white rice, refined grains and added sugars is fuelling a surge in diabetes and obesity among Indians, according to an ICMR-INDIAB survey. Telangana reflects the same dietary risks as the rest of the country. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that more than 62 per cent of daily calories in Indian diets come from low-quality carbohydrates, while protein intake remains low and saturated fat consumption exceeds recommended levels in most states. In Telangana, high reliance on refined cereals and inadequate protein has been linked to an elevated risk of t ...Read More >
NEW DELHI (AP) -- Indian authorities on Tuesday carried out a cloud-seeding experiment over smog-choked New Delhi in an attempt to induce rainfall and clear the city's toxic air, which has sparked anger among residents. A plane sprayed chemicals into clouds over some areas of the Indian capital to encourage rain and wash pollutants from the air, which remained in the "very poor" category, according to air quality monitors. Cloud seeding -- a weather modification method that releases chemicals i ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Biocon Limited has achieved a regulatory milestone in the United States, reinforcing its presence in the global diabetes treatment market. Biocon Pharma Limited, a subsidiary of Biocon Limited, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Dapagliflozin Tablets in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. The approval enables the company to market the drug for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, expanding its footprint in one of the world's largest pharmaceutical markets. The approved drug is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adul ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26: Abbott, the global healthcare company, today announced the launch of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor, Abbott's latest addition to the FreeStyle Libre sensor portfolio. This innovative device offers automatic glucose readings every minute straight to your phone, empowering people with diabetes to manage their condition with confidence, precision, and ease. People living with diabetes can see their glucose readings, without having to scan, and receive alerts automatically on their compatible[3] smartphone when low glucose levels [4] or high glucose leve ...Read More >
Ahmedabad: Zydus Lifesciences has expanded its presence in the U.S. generics market with a key regulatory approval for a widely used diabetes treatment. Zydus Lifesciences Limited has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for Dapagliflozin Tablets in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. This approval enables the company to enter the U.S. market with a generic version of the drug, broadening its portfolio in a high-demand therapeutic category. With the approval, Zydus becomes eligible for 180 days of shared generic drug exclusivity for Dapagliflozin Tablets. This li ...Read More >
BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26: Abbott, the global healthcare company, today announced the launch of the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor, Abbott's latest addition to the FreeStyle Libre sensor portfolio. This innovative device offers automatic glucose readings every minute straight to your phone, empowering people with diabetes to manage their condition with confidence, precision, and ease. People living with diabetes can see their glucose readings, without having to scan, and receive alerts automatically on their compatible[3] smartphone when low glucose levels [4] ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Dietary approaches like intermittent energy restriction, time-restricted eating, and continuous energy restriction can all improve blood sugar levels and body weight in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a study. Although researchers identified improved HbA1c levels, and adverse events were similar across the three groups, the IER group showed greater advantages in reducing fasting blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering triglycerides, and strengthening adherence to the dietary interventions. IER typically involves periods ...Read More >
Ahmedabad: Indian Institute of Public Health in Gandhinagar (IIPH-G) in collaboration with state-based endocrinologists will map the prevalence of Type 1 diabetes in Gujarat in a longitudinal study. The project, announced on Monday, will be a ten-year long study and will be one of the biggest to explore various aspects of the condition including comorbidities, mortality, and rural vs urban divide, among others.Dr Komal Shah, lead, NCD Advocacy and Research Collaboration (NCDArc) Centre at IIPH-G, said that a stakeholders' meeting was held on Monday with participation from state education and s ...Read More >
Data reveals that hypertension and diabetes rates among Army JCOs and other ranks are significantly lower than national averages, prompting further investigation into preventative measures and lifestyle factors. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Photo Key Points The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the Indian Army's junior ranks is nearly half that of the general population, as indicated by the National Fa ...Read More >
New Delhi: India faces a growing health crisis with prediabetes and diabetes affecting a massive chunk of its working population. Apollo Hospitals' latest Health of the Nation 2026 report has spotlighted this alarming trend, showing how modern lifestyles such as long office hours, junk food, and little movement are pushing millions towards serious risks. From bustling cities to smaller towns, the numbers paint a picture of silent suffering that could overwhelm healthcare systems and workplaces alike. Prediabetes symptoms often hide in plain sight, making early awareness key to turning the tide ...Read More >
A ₹1,000 crore market is set to grow 5x to ₹5,000 crore by 2030 as prices drop 40-50% post patent expiry. Three early movers are taking sharply different routes -- low-cost, premium, and partnerships in a high-stakes land grab. The Indian market for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies is currently at an inflection point and is poised for strong expansion. The current market size for anti-obesity and diabetes GLP-1 drugs in India, as of 2025, is estimated to be between ₹1,000-1,200 cr ...Read More >
NEW DELHI, Apr 4 : "International Diabetes Federation" (IDF) President-elect, Dr Niti Pall, currently on India visit, called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a noted Professor of Medicine & Diabetes, and discussed, among other things, indigenous biosimilar Insulin production as well as Diabetes related indigenous biomanufacturing prospects. The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening India's capabilities in insulin manufacturing, particularly biosimilar insulins and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) instruments. The discussion brought into focus growing global c ...Read More >
Biocon Biologics, in collaboration with Diabetes Africa and St Paul’s Hospital in Ethiopia, has launched the Embedding Specialist Nurses in Diabetes Care project. The initiative focuses on training nurses to become diabetes specialists to address the country’s growing diabetes crisis. With Ethiopia ranking among the top countries in sub-Saharan Africa for diabetes prevalence, this project aims to integrate diabetes care into primary healthcare, enhancing accessibility and care quality. By upskilling nurses and establishing a structured pathway for them, the program seeks to improve diabetes ma ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 3 (PTI) Adopting a healthier lifestyle is more effective than using the anti-diabetes drug metformin, with the benefits persisting over 20 years later, according to a study. The US Diabetes Prevention Program, launched in 1996, enrolled 3,234 patients with prediabetes from 30 institutions across 22 states. The study aimed to compare the benefits of metformin and a lifestyle modification that included exercise and a healthy diet. Researchers from The University of New Mexico, US, found that making lifestyle changes lowered the development of diabetes by 24 per cent, while the a ...Read More >
Mumbai: Less than a month after Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk announced it is cutting its global workforce as part of a restructuring plan, the layoffs have hit Indian employees in Bengaluru. Junior- to mid-level employees across functions such as sales and marketing, as well as those in the company's global business services (GBS) hub, which works with its global teams, have been impacted, according to at least three people aware of the development. "At least 100-150 will be retrenched from the commercial unit, which largely includes sales and marketing roles. They are expected to be in junior ...Read More >
New Delhi : Google today announced a suite of new collaborations and funding commitments to bolster India's AI ecosystem at its "Lab to Impact" dialogue, an event supported by the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Attended by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, the dialogue highlighted Google's research-driven approach to supporting Digital Public Infrastructure and empowering the research, developer, and startup ecosystem to solve national challenges and meet large-scale social needs. Speaking at the event, Dr Manish Gupta, Senior Research Director, Google DeepMind stated: "AI i ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): The Government of India on Thursday released details on the GLP -1 Drugs' use, risks, and regulation, according to an official press release. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. Insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas that regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. I ...Read More >
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 19: In a fast-moving, high-stress world, Reset Your Life with Yoga arrives as a much-needed guide to healing through ancient wisdom and modern practicality. If you're waking up tired, battling brain fog, struggling with hormonal fluctuations, or just feeling out of sync, you're not alone. In her powerful new book, Reset Your Life with Yoga: A Practical Guide for Modern Lifestyle Disorders, internationally certified yoga educator Priyanka S. L. Goyal presents a structured and compassionate approach to reclaiming your health naturally. Grounded in ancient Hatha Yo ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], August 25 (ANI): India's contract research, development, and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO) sector is emerging as one of the most dynamic growth stories in the global pharmaceutical landscape. According to a recent Jefferies India report, the country's CRDMO, which has already reached revenues of around USD 3 billion, has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14 per cent over the past five years. The report highlights that India's CRDMO industry has caught the attention of global investors, with its market capitalization now standing at USD 40-50 billion. Whi ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 30 (ANI): The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's once-a-week injection for patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Also Read | Durga Puja 2025: PM Narendra Modi Participates in Durga Puja Celebrations in Delhi's CR Park on Occasion of Maha Ashtami, Prays for Everyone's Happiness and Wellbeing (See Pics). In a statement provided to ANI, Novo Nordisk has stated that Ozempic is intended for individuals with Type 2 diabetes and will be available only upon a doctor's prescription. "Ozempic is meant for pe ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) Biocon Ltd on Monday said it has launched its diabetes and chronic weight management injection, Liraglutide, in the Netherlands through its distribution partner, Pharmamedic BV. The drug-device combination will be marketed in the Netherlands under the brand names Diavorin for diabetes and Vobexoryn for chronic weight management, Biocon said in a statement. Liraglutide is a synthetic analog of GLP-1 peptide (glucagon-like peptide-1) that helps lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. It is administered as a once-daily injection, the company said. The launch f ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): The Government of India on Thursday released details on the GLP -1 Drugs' use, risks, and regulation, according to an official press release. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. Also Read | Patna Shocker: Woman Drugged With Sedative-Laced Drink and Gang-Raped on Pretext of Job Prom ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 (UNI) Amid rising cases of diabetes, over 5 crore Indians remain undiagnosed, prompting urgent calls for regular screening and lifestyle changes. India faces an alarming diabetes prevalence of 11.4 per cent, with over 10 crore people currently living with the condition, Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor for the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, said. Quoting his recent scientific report published in the Australian Journal of Public Health, acclaimed physician pointed out that God's own country, 'Kerala', is witnessing a dramatic demographic shift ...Read More >
Surat (Gujarat) [India], August 21: KP Group, a leading name in India's renewable energy sector, is stepping up its expansion with a clear goal of reaching 10 GW capacity by 2030. With projects already underway in Gujarat, the Group is working on projects in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, supported by a strong order book and government partnerships. KP Group has signed memoranda of understanding with Gujarat, Odisha, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for over 2.6 GW of renewable projects, while exploring new opportunities in other states. The Group has already e ...Read More >
MUMBAI, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab plans to bring its experimental oral weight-loss drug orforglipron to India as it sees market potential in the world's most populous nation, a senior executive said on Thursday. "I do think there is promise for products like that (orforpligron) in India, if it does get approved," Winselow Tucker, Lilly India's president said at an event in Mumbai. Tucker, however, did not indicate when Lilly plans to launch the drug. The drugmaker ha ...Read More >