India has already exceeded 100 million confirmed or undiagnosed cases of diabetes, and experts project that this number will double within the next two decades.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes, a chronic disease, stands as the primary contributor to various health complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and lower limb amputation. Its global prevalence has been steadily rising, with over half a billion confirmed cases in 2021.
India also has a significant number of children with Type-1 diabetes. Lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of Type-2 diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that damages the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas due to the body’s immune system. Patients with this type require daily insulin shots.
Type-2 diabetes is a preventable disease. Adopting lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can significantly lower the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes.
India reported 74 million confirmed cases of diabetes two years ago, constituting approximately 10% of the population in the 20-79 age group. Moreover, a considerable number of individuals may be undiagnosed due to a lack of regular screening. The total count of diabetes cases in India is expected to double within the next 20 years, making it the country with the highest number of diabetes cases globally.
Recent research conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reveals that about 25 million Indians are considered prediabetic. These individuals face a high risk of developing Type-2 diabetes without implementing lifestyle changes.
The prevalence of diabetes is more pronounced in urban areas compared to rural regions across states, as indicated by the MDRF study. Goa has the highest overall diabetes prevalence at 26.4%, while Sikkim leads in prediabetes prevalence at 31.3%.
High-sugar and carbohydrate-rich diets, coupled with sedentary lifestyles and obesity, contribute significantly to the escalating diabetes rates in India. Addressing these lifestyle factors is crucial in tackling the diabetes epidemic in the country.
Countries with the highest diabetes prevalence.
(According to 2021 estimates by IDF Atlas)
| Rank | Country | Cases(million) | prevalence % 2021 |
| 1 | China | 140.9 | 14 |
| 2 | India | 74.2 | 9.6 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 33 | 30.8 |
| 4 | USA | 32.2 | 10.7 |
| 5 | Indonesia | 19.5 | 10.6 |
| World | 536.6 | 9.8 |