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Health
Rural Gujarat’s Blood Sugar Levels Rise to Urban Levels, NFHS-6 Shows
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 14 Nov 2026, 07:31 AM
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The latest NFHS‑6 data reveal that the prevalence of high blood sugar in rural Gujarat has surged to match that of cities, signalling a growing health challenge.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS‑6), conducted across India between 2019 and 2021, indicates a sharp rise in blood‑sugar related disorders among residents of rural Gujarat. The survey finds that the share of adults with elevated glucose levels in these villages is now comparable to the figures recorded in urban areas of the state.
Health experts attribute the trend to lifestyle changes, reduced physical activity and greater availability of processed foods even in remote districts. The convergence of rural and urban prevalence suggests that diabetes prevention strategies, traditionally focused on cities, must now be extended to the countryside.
State health officials have acknowledged the findings and said they will intensify screening programmes, community awareness campaigns and nutritional guidance in rural health centres to curb the emerging epidemic.
Health experts attribute the trend to lifestyle changes, reduced physical activity and greater availability of processed foods even in remote districts. The convergence of rural and urban prevalence suggests that diabetes prevention strategies, traditionally focused on cities, must now be extended to the countryside.
State health officials have acknowledged the findings and said they will intensify screening programmes, community awareness campaigns and nutritional guidance in rural health centres to curb the emerging epidemic.