Rising Prevalence of Diabetes and Lifestyle Diseases in India

June 12, 2023

A recent study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has shed light on the growing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and prediabetes in India. The study emphasizes the need for urgent attention and state-specific interventions to address this alarming health crisis.

High Prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Prediabetes

The study reveals that the prevalence of diabetes in India stands at 11.4%. Additionally, a staggering 35.5% of the population suffers from hypertension, while 15.3% are affected by prediabetes. These statistics indicate a significant burden of lifestyle diseases in the country.

Contributing Factors

Increased urbanization and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic are identified as key factors contributing to India’s rising health challenges. The study highlights how changing lifestyles, including dietary habits, physical inactivity, and stress levels, have resulted in the increasing burden of these diseases.

Obesity Rates in India

The study further reveals that 28.6% of the Indian population has generalised obesity, indicating a high prevalence of excess body weight. Additionally, a staggering 351 million individuals in the country have abdominal obesity, which poses significant health risks.

State-Wise Variations

The study highlights notable variations in disease prevalence across different states in India. Goa records the highest prevalence of diabetes at 26.4%, while Sikkim has the highest burden of prediabetes at 31.3%. These variations underscore the need for targeted interventions based on the specific health challenges faced by each state.

Urgent Policy Interventions

Recognizing the severity of the situation, researchers recommend urgent state-specific policies and interventions to tackle the rising epidemic of metabolic non-communicable diseases in India. These measures aim to address the underlying causes of the diseases and promote healthier lifestyles, including improved diet, increased physical activity, and stress management.

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