Top Diabetologist Calls for Urgent National Diabetes Prevention Program in India
Dr. Sanjay Reddy, a leading diabetologist, emphasizes the critical need for a robust national diabetes prevention program in India due to the escalating diabetes crisis. He highlights under-diagnosis, a high prevalence of prediabetes, and the impact of modern lifestyles as key concerns, urging for proactive public health efforts.
Key Highlights
- India requires a strong national diabetes prevention program urgently.
- Under-diagnosis and high prediabetes rates are major concerns.
- Modern lifestyles exacerbate diabetes risk among South Asians.
- Proactive public health initiatives are crucial for diabetes control.
- Early diagnosis and improved access to care are vital.
- AI can aid in screening complications like diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Sanjay Reddy, a prominent endocrinologist and one of India's top diabetologists, has underscored the urgent necessity for a comprehensive national diabetes prevention program to combat the rapidly growing diabetes epidemic in India. In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat as part of their diabetes campaign, Dr. Reddy emphasized that while global diabetes rates are rising, the increase is particularly pronounced in developing nations like India. He pointed out that under-diagnosis remains a significant challenge, with estimates suggesting that for every known diabetes case, another may go undetected. Furthermore, India faces a high burden of prediabetes, with nearly 120 million individuals at increased risk of developing the condition. Dr. Reddy highlighted the particular vulnerability of South Asians and how modern lifestyles have amplified this risk. He projected a substantial rise in diabetes prevalence by 2050, with global figures expected to increase by around 45% and India potentially seeing a rise of nearly 75%.
Dr. Reddy, who also served as the Program Chair at the Diabetes India Annual Conference in February 2026, where experts from over 25 countries convened, discussed key takeaways from the conference. These included the importance of early diagnosis, enhancing access to healthcare, advancements in Type 2 diabetes management, and the potential role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in screening for complications such as diabetic retinopathy.
The article references existing efforts and statistics related to diabetes in India. India is often referred to as the 'diabetes capital of the world,' with estimates suggesting that over 100 million people are currently living with diabetes. Projections indicate that India ranks second globally in the number of adults living with diabetes, with around 90 million cases in 2024. The prevalence of diabetes is a significant concern, with some studies indicating it affects 10.5% of the adult population. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that in 2025, approximately 583 million people worldwide will have diabetes, with over 101 million in India alone, representing a prevalence of around 11.7%. The related articles provided further context, with Dr. V. Mohan stating that '30% People Aged 20 And Above Suffer From Diabetes' and Dr. Rakesh Parikh noting that diabetes is no longer solely a disease of the elderly or urban elite but is rapidly spreading across villages. Data also indicates significant regional variations, with states like Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala showing higher rates of diabetes.
Dr. Reddy's call for a strong national prevention program aligns with the broader understanding of the diabetes crisis in India. The current prevalence of diabetes is substantial, with estimations varying across studies but consistently pointing to a large affected population. For instance, the ICMR INDIAB study reported over 100 million people with diabetes and 136 million with prediabetes. The global burden of diabetes is substantial, with the International Diabetes Federation estimating 463 million people worldwide in 2020. The issue of under-diagnosis is critical, as many individuals may be unaware of their condition, leading to delayed treatment and increased risk of complications.
Effective prevention and management strategies are crucial. Dr. Reddy emphasizes lifestyle changes as a cornerstone of diabetes prevention, including balanced meals, weight management, regular exercise (150-170 minutes per week), controlled carbohydrate intake with adequate protein, healthy fats, and fiber, regular blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring, sufficient sleep, and limiting alcohol and smoking. The existing National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) aims to strengthen infrastructure, train healthcare professionals, and promote population-based screening, early diagnosis, and management. However, the scale of the problem necessitates a more robust and urgently implemented national strategy, as advocated by Dr. Reddy. The media outlet, ETV Bharat, has a stated commitment to fair, accurate, and unbiased journalism and operates with a large network of mobile journalists to provide hyper-local news.
The urgency of the situation is further highlighted by projections of future diabetes burdens, with estimates suggesting a significant increase in cases by 2050. Addressing this burgeoning health crisis requires a multi-pronged approach involving public health initiatives, policy changes, increased awareness, and accessible healthcare services, all of which Dr. Reddy's call for a strong national prevention program aims to address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current diabetes situation in India?
India is facing a significant diabetes epidemic, often referred to as the 'diabetes capital of the world.' Estimates suggest that over 100 million people in India live with diabetes, with millions more undiagnosed or prediabetic. The prevalence is high and growing, influenced by lifestyle changes and genetic factors.
Why is a strong national diabetes prevention program needed in India?
A robust national program is crucial due to the escalating number of diabetes cases, a high rate of under-diagnosis, and a large prediabetic population. Proactive prevention efforts are essential to curb the rising burden, reduce complications, and alleviate the strain on the healthcare system.
What are the key risk factors for diabetes in India?
Key risk factors include modern lifestyles characterized by sedentary behavior, unhealthy diets (high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates), obesity, and stress. South Asians are also genetically predisposed to developing diabetes, often at a younger age and lower BMI compared to Western populations.
What lifestyle changes can help prevent or manage diabetes?
Preventative lifestyle changes include maintaining a balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and fiber, controlling carbohydrate intake, regular physical activity (around 150-170 minutes per week), maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring sufficient sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and blood pressure is also vital.