- 14 percent men, 12 percent women hypertensive
- 9% men, 8% women diabetic
A total of 14 percent men are hypertensive and 9 percent others have high blood sugar level against the range of 12 percent hypertensive and 8 percent diabetic women in the state.
As per the latest national family health survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, 13.7 percent men were hypertensive with 10.9 percent having slightly above normal BP (systolic 140-159 mm of Hg and or Diastolic 90-99 mm of Hg). Also 1.7 percent have moderately high BP (Systolic 160-170 mm of Hg and or Diastolic 100-109 mm of Hg) while 1.1 percent have very high BP (Systolic equal to or greater than 180 mm of Hg and or Diastolic equal to or greater than 110 mm of Hg).
At 15.5 percent urban men are more hypertensive and rural male population is 12.7 percent.
According to the National Family Health Survey – 4 (2015-16), which was released recently, a total of 11.7 percent women in the State are hypertensive with 8.9 percent having slightly above normal BP (systolic 140-159 mm of Hg and or Diastolic 90-99 mm of Hg). Also 1.8 percent have moderately high (Systolic 160-170 mm of Hg and or Diastolic 100-109 mm of Hg) while 0.9 percent have very high BP (Systolic equal to or greater than 180 mm of Hg and or Diastolic equal to or greater than 110 mm of Hg).
Like men, the urban women at 13.4 percent are more hypertensive than rural women at 10.9 percent.
According to the survey the blood sugar level of 9.1 percent men in J&K is impaired with 6.3 percent men having a high blood sugar level (greater than 140 mg/dl) while 2.8 percent men in the State have a very high blood sugar level (greater than 160 mg/dl).
The high blood sugar level among the urban men at 14.9 percent is more a cause of concern while in the rural areas, the high blood sugar levels among men is 6.3 percent.
The survey reveals that 8 percent women in the State have an impaired blood sugar level with 5.6 percent women having a high blood sugar level (greater than 140 mg/dl) while 2.4 percent women in the State have a very high blood sugar level (greater than 160 mg/dl).
Like men, the blood sugar levels of urban women are more impaired than rural women with the high blood sugar level among the urban women at 12 percent compared to 6.3 percent.
When glucose levels get higher than normal, they start to cause inflammation in blood vessels and nerves, causing complication related to diabetes.
Coffee, dry fruits, white bread, read meat, milk and bananas are considered to be some of the foods that raise the blood sugar levels the most.
On the other hand, pomegranate, apple, berries, guava, papaya, jamun, orange and amla are considered some diabetes-friendly fruits that maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
According to endocrinologists, people who have diabetes cannot regulate their blood sugar levels and, if the disease is not tightly controlled, blood sugar can spike to abnormally high levels, a condition called hyperglycemia, or dip below normal, a condition called hypoglycemia.
They term both these conditions as potentially life-threatening that could lead to coma and death if the patient does not seek medical treatment.
The endocrinologists also say that usually, complications resulting from the disease are a more common cause of death.
