Diabetes Affects 1 in 5 Indians Over 45, Urban Areas Hit the Hardest: Lancet Study - Video

Nearly one in every five Indians aged 45 years and older had diabetes in 2019, with urban prevalence almost twice as high as rural, according to a major study published in The Lancet Global Health journal. The study also found that nearly 40% of individuals with diabetes were unaware of their condition, raising concerns about underdiagnosis and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India.

The study defined diabetes based on self-reported diagnosis or HbA1c levels of 6.5% or higher. “In 2019, approximately one in five people aged 45 years and older had diabetes in India (19.8%), which amounts to 50.4 million individuals. Two out of five people with diabetes (40%) were unaware of their condition,” the authors reported.

The study drew from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey conducted from 2017 to 2019. Researchers surveyed 57,810 adults and their spouses across all 36 states and union territories. Participants had data available on HbA1c levels, body mass index, household income, and self-reported diabetes diagnoses.

The findings also revealed stark contrasts between urban and rural populations. While 30% of urban adults over 45 had diabetes, only 15% of their rural counterparts were affected. Prevalence was also higher in more economically developed regions and among overweight (24.7%) and obese individuals (34.6%). Diabetes rates were similar among men and women.

Notably, only 46% of individuals with diabetes had controlled blood sugar levels, 59% achieved blood pressure control, and just 6% were taking lipid-lowering medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.

These numbers fall significantly short of the WHO Global Diabetes Compact targets for 2030, which aim for at least 80% of diabetes cases to be diagnosed and treated effectively.

“Up to date evidence on the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes among middle-aged and older adults is important given that the risk of diabetes increases with age and that clinical and public health interventions can help to prevent diabetes complications,” the authors said.

The authors stressed the urgent need for stronger policies to improve prevention, screening, and management of diabetes in India’s ageing population.

Reference: Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes in India: a nationally representative survey of adults aged 45 years and older, Sekher, T V et al. The Lancet Global Health, Volume 0, Issue 0