A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that approximately 20% of Indians aged 45 and older—equating to 50.4 million individuals—were living with diabetes in 2019, with nearly 40% potentially unaware of their condition. The Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), conducted between 2017 and 2019 with around 60,000 participants, underscores the growing health crisis as India’s population rapidly ages.

The research, led by the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, and collaborators from the US, found diabetes prevalence was consistent between men and women at around 20%. However, urban areas reported twice the prevalence of rural regions, and economically advanced states showed rates as high as one-third of the population. “Our study highlights a significant urban-rural divide and greater prevalence in wealthier states,” the researchers noted, attributing this to India’s ongoing nutrition transition, where higher socioeconomic groups face increased risks.

Encouragingly, 46% of those aware of their diabetes achieved blood sugar control, and 60% managed their blood pressure in 2019. However, only 6% used lipid-lowering medications to mitigate cardiovascular risks. Compared to earlier surveys like the ICMR-INDIAB study (2008–2020), LASI indicates slight improvements in glycemic and blood pressure control but lags in lipid management.

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With India’s ageing population projected to grow, the study warns that diabetes cases will rise even if age-specific prevalence stabilizes. The findings signal an urgent need for enhanced awareness, treatment, and preventive measures to curb the escalating diabetes epidemic among middle-aged and older adults.

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