By: Express News ServiceMumbai | Updated: November 14, 2025 03:47 PM IST 2 min readAccording to a BMC survey conducted as part of the Salt-Sugar Campaign 2025 with a sample size of 695 people, only 27 per cent of respondents were aware of the health dangers linked to excessive sugar consumption. (Pic credit: Pixabay)World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14, with new data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) revealing the scale of diabetes risk and detection gaps in the city.According to a BMC survey conducted as part of the Salt-Sugar Campaign 2025 with a sample size of 695 people, only 27 per cent of respondents were aware of the health dangers linked to excessive sugar consumption. Another survey conducted with 5,000 respondents saw 15.6 per cent found to be pre-diabetic.Municipal health institutions screened 5,59,751 people for diabetes and hypertension over the last three years. Medical experts estimate that around half of those living with diabetes remain undiagnosed until they develop complications.Story continues below this adBMC’s campaign has included dietary counselling for over 1,59,000 patients to prevent diabetes and related conditions. There are currently 26 municipal hospitals operating Non-Communicable Disease Corners for systematic blood pressure and diabetes checks for individuals above 30 years of age.More than 1,20,000 patients are under diabetes treatment at BMC’s clinics. The Healthy Campus Initiative, launched across over 100 city colleges, aims to educate young people on healthy diet and lifestyle practices. Public nutrition sessions during nutrition month in September reached over 12,000 people with information on balanced meals and sugar reduction.Medical experts identify a lack of awareness and the silent progression of diabetes as key causes for late detection. Dr Rashi Agrawal, endocrinologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, stated, “One major reason why 50 per cent of the people don’t know they are diabetic is that the disease often progresses silently. Five out of 10 people aged 30–65 often come to me only after experiencing complications like kidney issues or heart problems, and have a history of diabetes”.The doctor pointed out that these problems are induced due to unmanaged diabetes. “Lack of awareness, irregular health checkups, and the misconception that diabetes affects only older adults further delay detection. Common symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or slow-healing wounds should prompt early testing, even if you feel otherwise healthy,” Dr Rashi Agrawal added.Story continues below this adThe BMC has urged the public to use free municipal screening facilities, read food labels, reduce intake of processed sugar, and adopt more active routines.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:health