India Ranks Second Globally with 90 Million Diabetes Cases in 2024
India has the world's second-largest diabetes population with 90 million adults affected in 2024, behind China's 148 million.
A landmark study from the eleventh edition of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, reveals alarming trends in global diabetes prevalence for 2024, with detailed projections extending to 2050. Researchers from the IDF in Belgium, alongside experts from the India Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. A. Ramachandran's Diabetes Hospital in Chennai, analyzed data from 246 studies spanning 2005 to 2024 across 215 countries and territories. This comprehensive analysis underscores India's position as home to the world's second-largest diabetes population, with 90 million adults aged 20-79 affected—trailing China's staggering 148 million but ahead of the United States at 39 million.
Population giants like China, India, the United States, and Pakistan dominate the global diabetes burden due to their sheer scale. The study projects that Pakistan could leapfrog the US by 2050, highlighting how demographic shifts amplify the crisis in densely populated regions.
Globally, diabetes afflicted over 11% of adults aged 20-79 in 2024—equating to 589 million people—with forecasts predicting a surge to nearly 13%, or 853 million adults, by 2050. "In 2024, one in nine adults worldwide was living with diabetes. The number exceeded 500 million and is projected to rise to close to 900 million by 2050," the authors noted, emphasizing the unprecedented scale.
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Burden on Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Over 80.64% of the world's diabetes cases in 2024 resided in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which are poised to shoulder more than 95% of the anticipated global increase by 2050. This disparity stems from rapid population growth, aging demographics, and accelerating urbanization, all fueling higher incidences of the metabolic disorder.
Prevalence patterns reveal stark inequalities: Middle-income countries reported the highest rate at 11.46% among adults aged 20-79, followed by high-income nations at 10.21% and low-income countries at 7.47%. The condition peaks at nearly 25% among those aged 75-79, with men facing higher rates than women and urban dwellers outpacing rural populations.
Experts stress the urgency of enhanced monitoring, particularly in resource-poor settings expected to see the sharpest rises. "The diabetes epidemic has continued unchecked since the turn of the millennium," the researchers warned, calling for tailored strategies across nations and demographics to curb progression.
Pathways Forward Amid Rising Projections
To combat this tide, the study advocates bolstering data collection in underserved areas and implementing targeted interventions. Factors like sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and genetic predispositions—exacerbated by urbanization—drive the epidemic, particularly in India, where lifestyle diseases have surged alongside economic growth.
India's 90 million figure reflects not just numbers but a public health imperative: Early screening, affordable medications, and awareness campaigns could mitigate risks. Without action, the nation risks mirroring global trends where diabetes complications claim millions annually, straining healthcare systems.
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