In the world of modern healthcare, there’s a new term that’s creating waves: Diabesity. Coined to capture the dual epidemic of diabetes and obesity, diabesity highlights how these two chronic conditions often go hand-in-hand—and how addressing them together may hold the key to better health outcomes.
Diabesity: A Global Health Crisis
Let’s break it down:
- Obesity is defined as excess body fat, typically measured by a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher.
- Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Now, here’s where it gets serious: Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes. Studies show that over 80% of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. This overlap has led health experts to classify diabetes and obesity as a single, interconnected pandemic—hence the term Diabesity.
Biocon’s Bold Vision: Tackling Diabesity Head-On
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the trailblazing founder of Biocon, India’s leading biopharmaceutical company, has identified diabesity as a core focus area for the company. In a bold statement, she declared that Biocon is positioning itself as a global leader in developing and supplying drugs that target diabesity.
Her vision is clear: as the demand for innovative treatments grows, Biocon aims to be at the forefront of this revolution, not just in India, but worldwide.
The GLP-1 Revolution: Game-Changing Drugs for Diabesity
So, what’s driving this shift? Enter the GLP-1 receptor agonists—a new class of drugs that are transforming how we treat both diabetes and obesity.
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate:
✅ Blood sugar levels
✅ Insulin secretion
✅ Appetite and satiety
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and upcoming Orforglipron (oral GLP-1) have shown remarkable results in clinical trials:
- Significant weight loss (up to 20-24% of body weight in some studies)
- Improved blood sugar control
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
These drugs address diabesity at its root, targeting both excess weight and insulin resistance—a double win.
Why Diabesity Matters for India and the World
India, often called the diabetes capital of the world, has a prevalence of 10.1 crore diabetes cases, according to the 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research – India Diabetes (ICMR INDIAB) study.
Combine that with a rising obesity rate (over 135 million Indians are overweight or obese), and it’s clear why tackling diabesity is a top priority.
Globally, obesity and diabetes are creating an economic and health crisis, with billions spent on managing complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke.
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw’s vision for Biocon is not just about profits; it’s about creating access to affordable, innovative therapies that empower millions to live healthier lives.
The Road Ahead: A Holistic Approach to Diabesity
While drugs like GLP-1s are powerful tools, they’re not a silver bullet. Experts emphasize that tackling diabesity also requires:
🍎 Dietary changes—reducing processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats
🏃 Regular exercise—even 30 minutes of walking daily can make a difference
🧘 Stress management—chronic stress can worsen both diabetes and obesity
👩⚕️ Medical supervision—working with healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan
Final Thoughts
Diabesity is more than just a buzzword; it’s a wake-up call for the global healthcare community. As Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Biocon lead the charge in developing next-generation treatments, the hope is clear:
- To make cutting-edge therapies affordable and accessible
- To empower patients with better choices
- And ultimately, to turn the tide on this twin epidemic.
Stay tuned—because the future of diabesity care is just getting started.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, including diabetes, obesity, or the use of medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
Additionally, while medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise in managing diabesity, individual results may vary, and all medications carry potential risks and side effects. Any treatment decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.