Global Diabetes Epidemic: India among Most Affected

An analysis published in The Lancet journal in November 2024 estimates that 82.8 crore people globally were living with diabetes in 2022, with over a quarter of them in India.

Key Points

Global Increase: Diabetes cases have risen sharply worldwide, particularly in LMICs, where the number of untreated diabetes cases is on the rise. In 2022, nearly 60% (44.5 crore) of adults aged 30 and over with diabetes globally did not receive treatment.
India’s Share: India accounted for over a quarter of the global total, with 21.2 crore people living with diabetes in 2022. Other countries with significant diabetes populations include China (14.8 crore), the US (4.2 crore), Pakistan (3.6 crore), and Brazil (2.2 crore).
Untreated Diabetes: Of the 44.5 crore people globally with untreated diabetes, nearly one-third (13.3 crore) were in India.
Diabetic Retinopathy in India: A study conducted in India found that 12.5% of people with diabetes (around 30 lakh) had diabetic retinopathy, with 4% facing immediate risks of vision loss.
Prevention and Lifestyle Changes: Experts stress the importance of prevention through healthy diets and exercise to reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications.
Screening and Diagnosis: To address the high number of undiagnosed cases, innovations such as workplace and community screening programs, extended healthcare hours, and integration with other health initiatives (e.g., HIV/AIDS and TB programs) are needed.