Srinagar, Nov 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday urged people across Jammu and Kashmir to adopt healthy and active lifestyles, emphasising balanced nutrition, regular exercise and preventive healthcare to reduce the risk of diabetes.

In a message marking World Diabetes Day, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and appropriate medical care, saying that recognising warning signs at an early stage was essential for effective management of the disease.
In a post on X, Abdullah said that in line with this year's theme, “Early Action on Diabetes,” people across all age groups must prioritise preventive healthcare and make healthier choices in their daily lives.
He emphasised that early diagnosis could help individuals manage diabetes more effectively and prevent serious health complications.
The Chief Minister also encouraged people to maintain balanced eating habits, remain physically active and undergo regular health check-ups, particularly those at greater risk of developing the disease.
His message comes amid growing concerns over the rising burden of diabetes and other lifestyle-related disorders in Jammu and Kashmir. Health experts have repeatedly stressed that unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, obesity and genetic predisposition are among the major factors contributing to the growing number of cases.
Doctors have also warned that diabetes often remains undiagnosed for years because many patients do not experience noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Delayed detection and poor blood sugar control can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, vision loss and nerve-related complications.
Medical experts maintain that regular screening, healthy food choices, weight management and daily physical activity can help prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes and reduce complications among those already diagnosed.
Abdullah's appeal underlines the need for greater public awareness and a stronger focus on preventive healthcare, with individuals, families and healthcare institutions playing a collective role in addressing the growing challenge.