A major Lancet Global Health study, based on data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), reveals that in 2019 nearly one in five Indians aged 45 and above (19.8%) were living with diabetes amounting to over 50 million individuals. Alarming as it is, close to 40% of them were unaware of their condition.

The burden of diabetes was similar between men (19.6%) and women (20.1%), but the urban-rural divide was stark urban prevalence was approximately 30%, nearly twice the 15% rate in rural areas.

Geographically, southern states such as Chandigarh (36.9%), Kerala (36%), and Puducherry (36%) exhibited the highest age-adjusted diabetes prevalence among older adults. Additionally, while 60% of diagnosed individuals were undergoing treatment including blood sugar and blood pressure management only 6% were on lipid-lowering medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.

This study underscores India’s urgent diabetes challenge: a growing prevalence, significant demographic disparity, and low awareness and treatment coverage. It highlights the need for more robust public health strategies focused on early screening, preventive care, and equitable access to treatments across regions and communities.