India Holds Second Place in Global Diabetes Burden
A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal has placed India second in the world for the number of adults living with diabetes. The research shows that India had 90 million adults with diabetes in 2024. China leads the list with 148 million cases, while the United States follows India with 39 million.
Key Findings from the Lancet Study
Researchers analyzed global diabetes data and found that countries with large populations contribute significantly to the worldwide diabetes burden. They projected that Pakistan might surpass the US by 2050. In 2024, over 11% of the world's adult population, or 589 million people aged 20-79, had diabetes. This number is expected to rise to nearly 13%, or 853 million adults, by 2050.
The study authors wrote that one in nine adults worldwide lived with diabetes in 2024. They emphasized that the number exceeded 500 million and could approach 900 million by 2050. Over four-fifths of the global diabetes population, about 80.64%, resided in low and middle-income countries in 2024. These nations are anticipated to see more than 95% of the increase in cases by 2050.
Factors Driving the Diabetes Epidemic
Several factors contribute to the rising diabetes numbers. Population growth, ageing, and ongoing urbanisation play major roles. The study noted that diabetes prevalence peaks at nearly 25% among adults aged 75-79. Men showed higher prevalence than women, and urban areas had more cases than rural regions.
Middle-income countries recorded the highest prevalence at 11.46% of adults aged 20-79. High-income countries followed with 10.21%, and low-income countries had 7.47%. The research team stressed that the diabetes epidemic continues unchecked since the turn of the millennium. They called for stronger efforts to slow its progression with tailored strategies across countries and population groups.
Understanding Diabetes and Its Types
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin regulates blood glucose. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to hyperglycaemia, which damages nerves and blood vessels over time. Common symptoms include feeling very thirsty, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss.
The World Health Organization defines several types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: Characterized by deficient insulin production, requiring daily insulin administration.
- Type 2 diabetes: Affects how the body uses glucose, leading to insulin resistance and high blood sugar if untreated.
- Gestational diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy, increasing risks for complications and future type 2 diabetes.
- Prediabetes: Blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
- Monogenic diabetes: A rare form caused by a single gene change.
- Type 5 diabetes: Recently recognized by the International Diabetes Federation, affecting lean and malnourished youth in low and middle-income countries.
Additional Insights from Indian Research
Another paper in The Lancet Global Health journal revealed that at least one in five people aged 45 and older had diabetes in India in 2019. Alarmingly, two out of five people with diabetes, or 40%, were unaware of their condition. This study used data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, surveying nearly 60,000 adults.
The research estimated that 20 million Indians have undiagnosed diabetes. Urban diabetes prevalence was about 30%, twice as high as rural prevalence at 15%. States with the highest age-adjusted diabetes rates among adults aged 45 and above included Chandigarh at 36.9%, Kerala at 36.0%, and Puducherry at 36%. Tamil Nadu had the largest number of adults with diabetes at 6.1 million, followed by Maharashtra with 5.8 million and Uttar Pradesh with 4.7 million.
Government Initiatives and Responses
The Central Board of Secondary Education recently directed affiliated schools to establish sugar boards to monitor and reduce sugar intake in children. This move addresses a significant increase in type 2 diabetes among children over the past decade.
Health is a State subject in India, but the Union Health Ministry provides technical and financial support under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Implemented through the National Health Mission, this programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resources, screening, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for major non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
A population-based initiative for diabetes prevention, control, and screening has been rolled out as part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. It targets individuals aged 30 years and above. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a nationwide NCD Screening Campaign for diabetes and hypertension last year, conducted across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and other health facilities. Patients diagnosed with diabetes receive free medicines and regular follow-up services at public health facilities.
Importance for UPSC Aspirants
This study holds significant relevance for UPSC aspirants. Health remains a critical part of the General Studies syllabus. Reports from journals like The Lancet provide important opportunities to revisit core concepts, update key facts, and strengthen basics for Prelims, Mains, and interviews. Understanding diabetes and its global burden helps aspirants grasp broader health and policy issues affecting India and the world.
