Imagine nearly a quarter of Kathmandu's adults over 30 battling diabetes. It's not just a statistic—it's a wake-up call. A staggering 22 percent of Kathmandu residents in this age group are living with high blood sugar, according to a preliminary report from a random blood sugar test conducted by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City about a year ago. But here's where it gets even more alarming: this figure is nearly three times the estimated national average of eight percent, a fact that has doctors and public health experts sounding the alarm.
Out of the 19,660 individuals tested, five percent were newly diagnosed with diabetes, while 14.5 percent were already aware of their condition. Even more concerning, 2.4 percent knew they had high blood sugar but weren’t taking medication. And this is the part most people miss: the rise in diabetes isn’t limited to older adults. Young people are increasingly affected, often without even realizing it. Dr. Jyoti Bhattarai, a senior endocrinologist, warns, “While we lack comprehensive population-level data, it’s clear that diabetes has been escalating at an alarming rate across all age groups in recent years.”
Diabetes, a non-communicable disease, occurs when blood sugar levels soar due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. The World Health Organization emphasizes that diabetes doesn’t discriminate—it can affect individuals at any life stage, from childhood to older adulthood. But here's where it gets controversial: while lifestyle factors like processed food consumption and sedentary habits are often blamed, experts are now pointing to a new type of diabetes linked to chronic undernutrition, dubbed ‘mid-point diabetes.’ Patients with this condition appear lean but suffer from insulin deficiency—a stark reminder that diabetes isn’t just a disease of affluence.
Preliminary findings from a health screening of 26,019 Kathmandu residents over 30, conducted in December 2024 and January 2025, reveal alarming rates of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. Dr. Dibas Neupane, a Health Department official, notes, “While we’re still analyzing the data, the early results are deeply concerning.” The screenings, held at 256 locations including 32 urban health promotion centers, also checked for hypertension, behavioral risk factors like smoking and alcohol intake, and renal function.
But here's the real question: Are we doing enough to combat this growing crisis? Type-1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body destroys insulin-producing cells, and Type-2 diabetes, where the body becomes insulin-resistant, are well-known. But mid-point diabetes, or Type-5 diabetes, is a relatively new and under-discussed threat. It challenges the common assumption that diabetes is solely tied to obesity or overeating.
Diabetes doesn’t just affect blood sugar—it increases the risk of kidney damage, nerve issues, heart disease, and vision problems. Dr. Dipak Malla, a senior endocrinologist at Bir Hospital, stresses, “Most patients seek help only when complications arise, often too late. The misconception that diabetes is an ‘old person’s disease’ is dangerously outdated, as younger individuals are increasingly diagnosed.”
Lifestyle factors like physical inactivity, childhood obesity, and stress are major contributors. Malla warns, “Anyone can develop diabetes, especially those who overeat processed foods, avoid exercise, and struggle with obesity. Early intervention through diet changes and physical activity can prevent complications.”
Experts advocate for widespread awareness campaigns targeting non-communicable diseases, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease now account for 73 percent of global deaths—a sobering statistic that demands urgent action.
But here's the controversial part: Is it enough to blame individuals for their lifestyle choices, or should we hold systemic factors like food industry practices and urban planning accountable? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of public health.
