Guwahati, Feb. 23: The number of diabetes patients is increasing at an alarming rate in rural Assam, a survey has revealed.

The survey conducted by Piramal Swasthya Management and Research Institute under National Health Mission of Assam has found that between 8 and 10 per cent of the state's rural population is diabetic and premature death because of the disease is also on the rise. According to the survey, diabetes and hypertension have emerged as silent killers in the state.

The survey, carried out from March 1, 2011, to January 31, 2017, found 1,19,314 diabetes and 94,597 hypertension patients in the state. As these diseases affect multiple organs, the rate of premature death and permanent disability is also increasing.

This survey revealed that there are about 2,38,505 people in the state suffering from chronic diseases.

There are about 3,830 people with defective vision in the state, 964 epilepsy patients, 17,727 asthma patients, 1,345 suffering from tuberculosis and about 728 malaria patients, the survey report said.

The survey was carried out as part of a village health outreach programme under the National Health Mission.

"About 10 per cent people die prematurely in urban areas of Assam. Diabetes and hypertension are increasing in both urban and rural areas because of changing lifestyle. Now, the rural lifestyle is also changing as villagers are trying to emulate their urban counterparts. The number of people consuming alcohol, tobacco and fast food is also increasing in Assam. This is the main reason of such diseases," said Parbati Chaliha, state domain head of Piramal Swasthya Management and Research Institute.