On November 14, 2024, a study published in The Lancet revealed alarming statistics regarding diabetes prevalence worldwide, particularly in India, which accounts for over 25% of the global adult diabetes population. The research, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), was released in conjunction with World Diabetes Day.
The study indicates that in 2022, approximately 133 million adults aged 30 and older with untreated diabetes resided in India, significantly outpacing China, which had 78 million. Treatment coverage in India was reported at below 30%, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare access.
Globally, the analysis found that more than 50% of the estimated 828 million adults living with diabetes are not receiving treatment. The overall diabetes rate in adults increased from about 7% in 1990 to approximately 14% in 2022, with the most significant rises occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The study, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, emphasized the urgent need for improved financing and comprehensive diabetes management programs in these regions. It noted that diabetes treatment rates have stagnated in many countries, exacerbating health inequalities.
In India, diabetes rates have surged since 1990, with the prevalence among women increasing from 11.9% to 23.7%, and among men from 11.3% to 21.4%. The findings underscore the importance of preventive measures, including better dietary practices and increased physical activity, to combat the growing diabetes epidemic.