Tamil Nadu Diabetes Surge Signals National Public Health Emergency

India is facing a rapidly intensifying diabetes epidemic, with Tamil Nadu emerging as a major hotspot. Recent evidence highlights a sharp rise in both diabetes and prediabetes, signalling deep-rooted lifestyle and dietary challenges. Experts warn that without urgent policy and behavioural interventions, the burden of non-communicable diseases could overwhelm health systems.

Alarming Rise in Diabetes and Prediabetes

India currently has around 101 million people living with diabetes and nearly 136 million with prediabetes. Tamil Nadu shows one of the steepest increases. According to the ICMR–INDIAB study, diabetes prevalence among adults above 20 years in the state rose from 11.1% in 2008–2010 to 22.7% in 2022–2023, a 104% increase. Prediabetes nearly doubled from 12.2% to 24.8% during the same period. This places nearly 12 million people in Tamil Nadu with diabetes, with another 10 million at high risk of developing it within a few years.

Rural Areas Catching Up Fast

The diabetes epidemic is no longer confined to cities. Rural Tamil Nadu recorded an increase in diabetes prevalence from 8.3% to 18.3%, marking a 120% rise. This faster rural growth reflects changing lifestyles, reduced physical activity, and dietary transitions even outside urban centres. The rapid progression from prediabetes to diabetes, often within four years, suggests the crisis is far from peaking.

Dietary Patterns Driving the Epidemic

Environmental and lifestyle factors dominate over genetics in driving diabetes. The ICMR–INDIAB findings show that carbohydrates account for about 65% of calorie intake in Tamil Nadu, largely from polished white rice with a high glycaemic index. Protein intake remains low at around 10%, well below recommended levels. Research by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation links excess white rice consumption to diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and fatty liver disease.

Important Facts for Exams

• Tamil Nadu recorded over 100% rise in diabetes and prediabetes prevalence in a decade.
• Prediabetes can progress to diabetes within four years if unmanaged.
• Carbohydrates contribute about 65% of average calorie intake in India.
• Even a 5% reduction in carbohydrate intake can lower diabetes risk.

Policy Interventions and the Way Forward

Public Distribution System dependence has reduced dietary diversity among low-income groups, increasing refined carbohydrate intake while limiting pulses, fruits, and vegetables. Experts such as Dr V Mohan and Dr Soumya Swaminathan advocate reforming PDS allocations by increasing pulses and reducing sugar and rice. Models like Karnataka’s millet inclusion and cooperative fruit distribution show promise. With its strong public health legacy, Tamil Nadu has the opportunity to lead India’s fight against diabetes through preventive nutrition and sustainable food policies.