A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet medical journal reveals alarming statistics about the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in India. The research, conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Union health ministry, indicates that a staggering 101 million people, which is 11 per cent of India’s total population, are suffering from diabetes. Additionally, 35.5 per cent of Indians are affected by hypertension.
The study, titled “Metabolic Non-communicable Health Report of India: The ICMR-INDIAB National Cross-sectional Study,” covers a wide range of data gathered from 113,043 individuals across 31 states and Union territories from 2008 to 2020. It estimates that in 2021 alone, around 101 million people were diagnosed with diabetes, 136 million had pre-diabetes, and a staggering 315 million were affected by hypertension.
The findings highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to tackle the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. The research reveals the prevalence of general obesity in 28.6 per cent of the Indian population, while 39.5 per cent suffer from abdominal obesity. Hypercholesterolemia, a condition linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, was found in 24 per cent of the population.
Moreover, the study identified 15.3 per cent of people with pre-diabetes, which raises concerns as it is a precursor to developing diabetes.
The data also showcases regional disparities, with states like Kerala, Puducherry, Goa, Sikkim, and Punjab reporting higher NCD prevalence compared to others. However, the problem extends nationwide, impacting both urban and rural areas with obesity, hypertension, and other cardiometabolic risk factors.
Dr RM Anjana, the lead researcher of the project, stresses the need for immediate action by governments to address the mounting burden of NCDs. The detailed state-level data from the study can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, aiding them in developing evidence-based interventions tailored to specific regions.
