The Hidden Diabetes Crisis in India | New Lancet Study Findings

A major new study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals a startling truth about diabetes in India. Nearly one in five Indians aged 45 and above is living with the condition, and almost two in five of them don’t even know it. The research, based on the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, which covers more than 60,000 people, shows how urban lifestyles, changing diets, and aging are driving a silent epidemic.

The findings highlight striking differences between states, with urban areas showing nearly twice the prevalence compared to rural regions, and some states reporting that a third of adults in this age group have diabetes. Even among those diagnosed, only about half can control their blood sugar.

As India’s population continues to age, the total number of diabetes cases is set to climb even higher, placing enormous pressure on the healthcare system.