Hyderabad, Mar 9 (Reporter) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, emphasised the critical need for preventing diabetes in pregnancy to control its increasing prevalence in India. He highlighted the urgency of early diabetes screening, particularly in pregnant women, to curb the rapidly growing diabetes epidemic in the country. Speaking at the 19th Annual Conference of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI), Dr Singh underscored that gestational diabetes is not merely a medical concern but a national responsibility due to its long-term effects on maternal and child health. “Gestational diabetes affects not just the mother but the future of an entire generation. Preventing diabetes in pregnancy can halt the spread of this epidemic. Tackling this must be a collective national effort,” he stated, urging policymakers and healthcare professionals to integrate preventive measures into mainstream health programs. A diabetologist himself, Dr Singh warned that if the rising trend of diabetes among young Indians is left unchecked, it could severely impact India’s workforce by 2047, the centenary of the country’s independence. “We talk about India being a young nation, but if our youth’s energy is drained by diabetes and its complications, we are putting the future at risk,” he said. He noted that gestational diabetes affects nearly 15-20 percent of pregnant women in India, significantly higher than global averages, making its prevention a crucial public health priority. Dr Singh also cautioned about the alarming increase in type 2 diabetes among younger populations, driven by lifestyle changes and rising obesity rates. He warned that without immediate intervention, India could see a surge in diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and neurological disorders. “This is not just a health challenge; it is a socio-economic issue. If a large section of our working-age population is battling diabetes, it will impact national productivity and burden our healthcare system,” he stressed, calling for urgent action through awareness campaigns, lifestyle interventions, and early screenings. The Minister praised the pioneering work of Dr V Seshiah, founder of DIPSI, for introducing the concept of a 'spot test' for diabetes in the 1980s—a method initially met with skepticism but now widely accepted. He suggested implementing a simplified screening process in government hospitals and OPDs, allowing volunteers to conduct basic BMI and glucose measurements for early detection. Reflecting on the evolving healthcare landscape, Dr Singh advocated for greater public-private collaboration, citing India's recent advancements in space, nuclear energy, and biotechnology as successful partnership models. “No government in the world can do everything alone. If we want impactful healthcare solutions, we must engage the private sector as a key stakeholder,” he asserted. He highlighted India's achievements in COVID-19 vaccine development, the first-ever indigenous antibiotic, and gene therapy trials for hemophilia as examples of how public-private synergy has transformed India's scientific landscape. “This same model must now be applied to healthcare and diabetes prevention,” he added. Dr Singh also addressed the growing problem of childhood obesity in India, now the third highest in the world, warning that it is contributing to an early onset of type 2 diabetes. He urged healthcare professionals to intensify awareness campaigns on lifestyle modifications, particularly among expectant mothers, to prevent diabetes-related complications in future generations...////...