Telangana records sharp rise in Type 2 diabetes amid fast food surge says study
HYDERABAD: Rising fast-food consumption in urban centres of Telangana and other southern states is driving an increase in Type-2 diabetes cases, a recent study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) has found.
Shift Towards Processed Diets
The study, Fast-food Attributed Diabetes Index Study (FADIS), comes from researchers at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Alabama. It points to a growing “nutritional transition” in southern India. Traditional diets are rapidly giving way to energy-dense, ultra-processed foods.
Urban Spending and Diabetes Link
Telangana has emerged as a high-risk zone. The state reflects a broader trend across southern India. Diabetes prevalence among urban men in Telangana has reached 3.8%, one of the highest rates in the study.
Fast-food spending also remains high. Households in Telangana allocate 28–34% of their monthly food budget to fast food. People in high-consuming states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala spend ₹1,000 to ₹1,450 per person each month on processed items. These include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and ready-to-eat meals.
Researchers used the DIAGRAM framework to analyse the data. They found a strong and statistically significant link between fast-food spending and diabetes rates in urban areas.
Rural Areas Show Lower Impact
Rural regions show a weaker link between fast-food consumption and diabetes. The study did not find this association to be statistically significant. Researchers attribute this gap to limited access to fast-food outlets and different lifestyle patterns.
Higher Risk Among Women
The study identifies excess weight as the strongest predictor of diabetes risk among women. Obesity rates among women in southern states remain significantly higher than current diabetes prevalence. This suggests a large at-risk population.
Need for Targeted Policies
Experts stress the need for region-specific public health strategies. A uniform national approach may not work. Telangana’s fast-food spending is nearly three times higher than in some northern states. The study calls for targeted nutrition awareness campaigns and urban food policy reforms. These steps can help reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
