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Pollution Driving Diabetes Crisis in India, Experts Urge Action
7 Nov
Summary
- Environmental pollutants and endocrine disruptors linked to rising diabetes
- 58% of women with type 2 diabetes found to be emotional eaters vs. 34% of men
- Calls for stricter emission standards, pesticide regulation, and reducing plastic in food
As of November 7th, 2025, experts have identified environmental pollution as a significant contributor to the rising prevalence of diabetes in India. According to Dr. Vitull K. Gupta, chairman of the Association of Physicians of India (Malwa Branch), environmental pollutants and endocrine disruptors represent a new frontier in diabetology that requires urgent attention.
Presenting at the 53rd national conference of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, Dr. Gupta emphasized the interplay of industrialization, environmental exposures, and metabolic health. He highlighted the need for stricter emission standards, tighter monitoring and regulation of pesticide usage, and reducing the use of plastic in food packaging to address this growing public health concern.
Additionally, a study presented by clinical dietician Smita Singh found that women are more prone to emotional eating-induced diabetes. The cross-sectional study conducted among adults with type 2 diabetes revealed that 58% of women were identified as emotional eaters, compared to only 34% of men. This suggests that addressing the psychosocial aspects of diabetes management may be crucial, especially for female patients.
