A new study published in ‘The Lancet Global Health’ journal has found that almost 40% of people with diabetes in India are unaware of their condition.
The Lancet paper is based on the findings from survey of 57,810 adults aged 45 years and above, conducted between 2017 and 2019. It showed that 1 in 5 adults (20%) in this age group has diabetes. The rate was similar in men and women.
Urban vs Rural India
The research revealed that diabetes is almost twice as common in cities compared to villages. Experts say this could be due to differences in lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity.
The study was carried out by the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). Among those who are aware about their diabetes, LASI found that 94 percent are undergoing treatment.
The researchers also urged the government to improve diabetes prevention, early detection, and treatment, especially among middle-aged and elderly people.
India’s Diabetes Burden
India is the second-highest country in the world in terms of the number of adults (aged 20–79 years) living with diabetes. In 2019, the disease was responsible for about 3% of all deaths in the country.
Doctors also warn that high blood pressure (hypertension) is rising quickly in India. They say that early diagnosis and timely access to medicines for both conditions can help prevent serious health problems.
Rural Healthcare Still Weak
However, studies show that healthcare facilities in rural areas are not fully prepared to handle diabetes and hypertension.
A survey conducted by ICMR, WHO, and other institutions in 19 districts across seven states found that only 40% of sub-centres (SCs) were ready to provide treatment. Many centres did not even have basic medicines.
Out of 105 SCs studied:
- About 1 in 3 faced shortages of metformin (a common diabetes medicine).
- Around 45% reported stockouts of amlodipine (used to control blood pressure).
