Screen Time Invites Diabetes: 40% of OPD Patients Found Diabetic

• Pollution, COVID-19, and poor lifestyle habits have emerged as key factors driving the sharp rise in diabetes cases across Delhi-NCR
• Rising diabetes cases among youth and women
• Regular check-ups, balanced diet, and exercise are the most effective preventive measures
• Around 90 million people in India are diabetic and Approximately 136 million are pre-diabetic

New Delhi, November 10, 2025: The increasing digital lifestyle and prolonged screen time are directly impacting our health and contributing to the growing risk of diabetes.

According to doctors, screen exposure has risen sharply across all age groups — from children and youth to the elderly — due to the mobile revolution.

With most entertainment, gaming, and social activities now happening on phones, people are spending an average of three to four hours daily on screens. This sedentary behavior increases body fat, leading to obesity, insulin resistance, and a higher risk of diabetes.

At a press conference held at Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, experts revealed that diabetes is no longer just an age-related disease — it is spreading rapidly among younger adults and women.

Senior specialists including Dr. Rajeev Gupta (Senior Director & HOD, Internal Medicine), Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Senior Director, Internal Medicine), and Dr. Anil Gomber (Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine & Diabetologist) discussed the rising diabetes burden and its causes.

Dr. Rajeev Gupta stated that about 90% of diabetes cases are lifestyle-related. “Prolonged screen exposure, lack of exercise, and poor diet weaken insulin efficiency.

Even children are now showing early signs of insulin resistance when their screen time exceeds three to four hours daily.” He added that nearly 40% of OPD patients at the hospital are diabetic, mostly between the ages of 40 and 60, with 5–7% young adults and 1% children.

Rising diabetes cases across Delhi-NCR are largely driven by increasing pollution levels, post-COVID health impacts, and unhealthy lifestyle patterns.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta highlighted that Type-2 diabetes is now emerging even in individuals under 25 years of age.

A study found 12.3% prevalence among adolescent boys and 8.4% among girls. He added that many Indians, despite being lean, carry high internal fat (visceral fat), making them prone to diabetes-related complications. “Since diabetes often progresses silently, regular health screening is critical,” he said.

Dr. Anil Gomber explained that long-term exposure to air pollution increases diabetes risk by about 22%. In Delhi-NCR, high PM2.5 levels are a major concern.

“Even a month’s exposure to elevated PM2.5 can raise fasting glucose levels, while chronic exposure significantly increases diabetes risk,” he noted.

Pollution-induced inflammation and oxidative stress disrupt insulin function. Post-COVID, new diabetes cases have risen sharply, exacerbated by sedentary habits, obesity, and prolonged screen use.

He further shared that gestational diabetes affects 15–16% of women, increasing risks of miscarriage, high blood pressure, and C-sections. Such children are more likely to develop obesity, PCOS, and Type-2 diabetes later in life.

Prevention Is Possible: Diabetes can be prevented or controlled in its early stages by adopting a healthy lifestyle — balanced diet, reduced sugar and junk food intake, and inclusion of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods.

Regular exercise (30–45 minutes daily), weight control, adequate sleep, stress management through yoga or meditation, and avoidance of smoking or alcohol are essential. Regular blood sugar checks and health screenings are strongly recommended.

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