India Diabetes Study (IDS) has reported that more than 55% of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in India have low HDL-C values, suggesting that they are at higher risk of developing some form of cardiovascular disease in their lifetime. The study also said that 42% of all T2DM patients are at a higher risk of hypertension. As per the Indian Consensus Group guidelines, the mean BMI of the patients was recorded to be 27.2. 

The study published in the PLOS journal was supported by Eris Lifesciences and co-authored by 16 doctors during the period 2020-2021. It was conducted with the involvement of more than 1900 physicians and had a sample size of 5080 patients with a mean age of 48 years, from 27 states across the country. 

Dr. AG Unnikrishnan said, “India Diabetes Study focused on highlighting the cardiovascular risk factors in newly diagnosed diabetes patients across India. While treatment should focus on dietary changes, physical activity, and glucose control, additionally addressing cardiovascular risk by strategies like a blood pressure control and lipid management offer a more holistic way of management-as also suggested in the India Diabetes Study.” 

The study also reported that 92.5% and 83.5% of the total patients did not receive any cholesterol-lowering and anti-hypertension treatment. Low HDL-C was reported as the most frequent major risk while 82.5% of patients seemed to have at least one cholesterol-related abnormality. (india diabetes study: High BMI increases risk of CVDs: India Diabetes Study, Health News, ET HealthWorld (indiatimes.com))