The Historical Link Between British Colonialism and Diabetes in Indians
Did you know that India’s diabetes problem has roots deeper than just diet or genetics? There’s an unexpected historical culprit lurking behind this health crisis: British colonialism. Yes, British rule over the Indian subcontinent didn’t just reshape its politics and economy—it also left a lasting impact on the health of generations of Indians. Let’s explore how the shadow of colonialism, through famines and epigenetic changes, continues to affect the health of Indians today.
A Shocking Surge in Major Famines under the British
During British colonial rule, India faced an unprecedented rise in famines. While droughts were always a risk, British policies turned them into disasters. Between 1858 and 1947, the period known as the British Raj, millions of lives were lost to starvation. The colonizers were more concerned with exporting resources than feeding the local population.
Conservatively, over 25+ million Indian lives were lost aided greatly by the policies of the British East India Company – which was licensed and supported by the British crown
SOURCE
British East India Company rule: 1757-1858
British Crown rule (British Raj): 1858-1947
Take the Great Famine of 1876-1878 as an example—it ravaged southern India, claiming an estimated 5 to 11 million lives. Another horrifying example is the Bengal Famine of 1943, during which over 3 million people perished due to severe malnutrition. And here’s the kicker: it wasn’t just natural droughts causing this. British policies played a huge role(The Daily Star)(YouTube).
British Policies and the Famine Tragedies
One of the most shocking aspects is that British policies during World War II made things worse. When India pleaded for emergency food supplies, Winston Churchill’s government diverted essential resources to fuel the war effort, leaving millions to starve. Imagine this: while India was facing famine, rice continued to be exported from the country!
In fact, a study published in Global and Planetary Change shows that before British rule, there were 0.84 famines per century, but during the British Raj, that number skyrocketed to 2.83 famines per century—a 236% increase (The Daily Star).
Epigenetics and Starvation Adaptation
Now, this is where things get even more interesting. Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors, like famine, affect gene expression. Essentially, the trauma of these famines left an imprint on Indian DNA. The result? Indian bodies adapted to conserve energy in times of scarcity, which made them more efficient at storing fat. While this was a survival mechanism back then, it now makes Indians more susceptible to modern diseases like type 2 diabetes (Sputnik India).
Surviving even just one famine has a multi-generational effect. Studies show that individuals who lived through famines passed on genetic traits that increased the risk of diabetes in their descendants (Sputnik India).
Survival Adaptations and Diabetes Risk
So, how does this work? When the body is adapted to survive on minimal food, it holds onto energy—think of it as your body going into “survival mode.” But in today’s world of food abundance, this adaptation can be harmful. Indians, who are genetically wired to store energy efficiently, now struggle with high blood sugar levels, leading to a higher risk of diabetes. It’s like the body is still preparing for the next famine that never comes (The Daily Star)(Sputnik India).
The Modern Challenge
Fast forward to today, and we see a strange mismatch. While food scarcity is no longer a widespread issue, the genetic adaptation to starvation still exists in Indian populations. And with two-thirds of packaged foods containing added sugar, it’s no wonder that diabetes rates are soaring. Indians are now facing a double-edged sword: genetic predisposition combined with modern dietary habits that work against them (Sputnik India).
Lifestyle Choices & Decolonizing Health Research
Now, while we can’t change our genetic makeup, there are steps Indians can take to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. One promising solution is to revisit traditional health practices like Ayurveda, yoga, and holistic diets. These time-tested methods emphasize balance and can help manage health risks.
It’s also crucial to decolonize health research. The unique health needs of diverse ethnicities like South Asians need to be acknowledged in modern medicine. The rise in diabetes calls for culturally sensitive approaches to health advice, especially in light of rising insulin costs (Sputnik India).
Lasting Genetic Legacy of Famines
The legacy of British colonialism in India goes beyond politics—it’s embedded in the very DNA of the population. The famines caused by colonial policies have left a genetic footprint that increases the risk of diabetes in Indians today. But with the right understanding of history, epigenetics, and a return to balanced, traditional lifestyles, Indians can work toward reducing this burden.
It’s a journey deeply rooted in the past, but with hope for a healthier future.
FAQs
1. How did British colonialism contribute to diabetes in India?
- British policies led to severe famines, which caused genetic adaptations that make Indians more prone to diabetes today.
2. What is the epigenetic link between famines and diabetes?
- The experience of starvation during famines altered gene expression in survivors, making them and their descendants more efficient at storing fat, which increases diabetes risk.
3. How many people died in the Bengal Famine of 1943?
- Over 3 million people died due to malnutrition during the Bengal Famine, exacerbated by British wartime policies.
4. Can traditional Indian health practices help manage diabetes?
- Yes, practices like Ayurveda and yoga promote balance and can help manage the risk of type 2 diabetes by focusing on holistic health.
5. Why are South Asians more prone to diabetes?
- Genetic factors stemming from historical famines, coupled with modern diets high in sugar, contribute to the higher rates of diabetes among South Asians.
6. What can be done to reduce the risk of diabetes in Indians?
- Embracing a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and revisiting traditional health practices can help mitigate the risk.
Sources:
How British colonialism increased diabetes in south Asians
How History Still Weighs Heavy On South Asian Bodies Today
Davis, Mike. “Late Victorian Holocausts: El Niño Famines and the Making of the Third World.” Verso, 2001. In his book – Davis argues that the El Niño famines that occurred in India, China, and Brazil in the late 19th century were not simply natural disasters, but were also caused by British imperialism and capitalist globalization. He shows how British colonial policies, such as land taxes and the export of food, made it difficult for people to cope with the famines.
Basu, S. (2016). ‘Bengal Tiger and British Lion: An Account of the Bengal Famine of 1943.’ The Journal of Peasant Studies, 43(2), 413-441.
Ramachandran, A., et al. (2010). ‘Increased incidence of gestational diabetes with increasing age in the Chennai Urban Population: Results of a 13 year study.’ Diabetologia, 53(9), 1907-1914.