First: Is India Really #1 for Diabetes?

Yes — according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2021 report, India has the second highest number of adults living with diabetes in the world, after China. But India ranks first in terms of the speed of growth and challenges in managing diabetes because of its large population, rising obesity, urbanization, and genetic risk factors.

Why is Diabetes So Common in India?

Several factors make diabetes more common among Indians:

• Genetic predisposition: Indians have a higher tendency to develop insulin resistance and central obesity (belly fat), even at lower body weights compared to Western populations.
• Rapid lifestyle changes: Urbanization has led to less physical activity, more desk jobs, and increased consumption of calorie-dense processed foods.
• Diet high in refined carbs: Many traditional diets rely heavily on white rice, refined flour, and sweets, which can spike blood sugar levels.
• Lack of awareness and screening: Many people don’t know they have diabetes until they develop complications like nerve damage, kidney problems, or heart disease.

The Alarming Numbers

According to estimates, over 77 million Indians were living with diabetes as of 2020 — and experts predict this number will cross 100 million by 2030 if current trends continue.

Worse still, nearly 1 in 2 adults with diabetes in India don’t know they have it. This hidden burden leads to late diagnosis, higher complications, and more costly treatment.

How Diabetes Affects Indians Differently

Indians tend to develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age (often in their 30s or 40s) compared to people in Western countries, and complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness occur earlier. This affects not just individuals but entire families economically and emotionally.

What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

• Know your family history: If parents or siblings have diabetes, get screened regularly even if you feel healthy.
• Stay active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or exercise most days of the week.
• Choose healthier foods: Replace refined carbs with whole grains like brown rice, millets, oats, and limit sugary drinks or sweets.
• Watch your weight: Maintaining a healthy waist circumference reduces the risk of developing insulin resistance.
• Get regular checkups: Even without symptoms, periodic blood sugar tests can detect diabetes early and prevent complications.

Final Word

India’s diabetes crisis is real — but it’s not inevitable. By understanding your risk, making small changes to your lifestyle, and screening regularly, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the serious complications of this silent disease. The WellBridge Health app makes it easier by letting you log your blood sugar readings regularly, track trends over time, and share your progress with your doctor — so you can stay ahead of diabetes instead of letting it control you.

Data sources: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), World Health Organization (WHO).

Illustration credit: Image by marcovector on Freepik ↗