Diabetes – An Endemic for India
India is currently facing a growing public health crisis as metabolic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) become increasingly endemic across the country. According to the 2023 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the rise in diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and related conditions poses a significant challenge for both individuals and healthcare systems. The report, based on the extensive ICMR-INDIAB study, sheds light on the alarming statistics: 101 million people in India now live with diabetes, while an additional 136 million are prediabetic.
Rising Tide of NCDs in India
The burden of NCDs goes beyond diabetes. The ICMR study also found that:
- 315 million people suffer from hypertension
- 254 million individuals have generalized obesity
- 351 million report abdominal obesity
- 213 million have hypercholesterolemia, with 185 million displaying elevated levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
These conditions are widespread across both urban and rural areas, with some regional disparities. Southern and northern states like Kerala, Puducherry, and Goa show particularly high prevalence rates. In contrast, northeastern and central India have somewhat lower rates, although the gap is narrowing.
Diabetes: A Looming Threat
The ICMR report paints a particularly grim picture for diabetes, which has seen a dramatic increase in the past decade. This rise is especially worrisome because prediabetes—marked by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels but not yet at diabetic thresholds—is also on the rise. The number of prediabetic individuals has surpassed those already diagnosed with diabetes, indicating that India could witness an even larger surge in diabetes cases in the coming years.
Prediabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are uniformly high across urban and rural areas, with factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition playing major roles. The report highlights that Indian populations tend to develop diabetes at lower levels of obesity compared to other ethnic groups, which makes early interventions critical.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Alongside diabetes, cardiovascular diseases are on the rise, driven by interconnected metabolic risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels). The increase in hypertension, particularly in urban regions, is contributing to a higher incidence of heart disease, strokes, and other complications(
India’s healthcare system faces a significant challenge in addressing this dual epidemic of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Urgent action is required to promote lifestyle changes, improve access to preventive care, and ensure early detection of NCDs, particularly in underserved rural areas where healthcare infrastructure may be inadequate.
Government programs, awareness campaigns, and better healthcare policies are essential to reversing the trend. Encouraging regular physical activity, healthier diets, and routine screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are key measures in controlling the rising tide of metabolic disorders.
Conclusion
The ICMR 2023 report emphasizes that NCDs, especially diabetes, are not only a personal health issue but also a national crisis. With millions at risk, the social and economic costs are immense. Addressing these concerns will require a multi-pronged approach, involving government action, public awareness, and individual lifestyle changes.
Source
https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/landia/PIIS2213-8587(23)00119-5.pdf
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