A new report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal on June 8, 2023, found that over 11% of Indians are diabetic. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), surveyed over 113,000 people from across India between 2008 and 2020. The study found that the prevalence of diabetes was highest in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, and lowest in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. The study also found that the prevalence of diabetes was higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
The study’s findings are concerning, as diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputation. The study’s authors called for urgent action to address the diabetes epidemic in India, including increased access to screening and treatment, and public health campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles.
Here are some of the key findings of the study:
- The prevalence of diabetes in India is 11%.
- The prevalence of diabetes is highest in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
- The prevalence of diabetes is lowest in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
- The prevalence of diabetes is higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
- Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputation.
- Urgent action is needed to address the diabetes epidemic in India.