Targeted Transformation of Diabetes Care in India

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) about 63 per cent of people with diabetes say that the fear of developing diabetes-related complications affects their well-being.

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And around 28 per cent of people with diabetes find it hard to remain positive in relation to their condition. Hence the theme for this year’s World Diabetes Day (WDD) 2024-26 observed on November 14, the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in over 160 countries, is Diabetes and well-being. Let’s look at ways to reduce or reverse diabetes in India.

The Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study published in 2023 reported that the overall weighted prevalence of diabetes in India was 11·4 per cent, accounting for 101 million people. The study findings also reported an alarming increase in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as prediabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Hence, there is a rising need to holistically manage the rising diabetes prevalence by improving awareness, diet, lifestyle, screening, treatment & monitoring practices in India.

Public and Private Campaigns for Improving Awareness

A study of the National Family Health Survey of India (NFHS), 2019–2021 reported that diabetes awareness varied from 14.4 per cent to 54.4 per cent. Not surprisingly, the less educated and poorer sections of the society had lower diabetes awareness. Thus, considering the rising prevalence of the disease, there is a need to improve diabetes awareness in India. Several public and private initiatives are looking to address this concern. However, it is important to ensure that the awareness campaigns have wider outreach.