India's Diabetes Crisis: Second Highest Global Economic Burden | Quick Digest

India's Diabetes Crisis: Second Highest Global Economic Burden | Quick Digest
India faces the world's second-highest economic burden from diabetes, estimated at USD 11.4 trillion by 2050. This crisis, driven significantly by informal caregiving and a growing prediabetic population, demands urgent public health intervention.

India bears the second-highest global economic burden due to diabetes.

The economic cost is projected at USD 11.4 trillion from 2020 to 2050.

Informal caregiving contributes to nearly 90% of the total economic impact.

Around 11.4% of Indians are diabetic, and 15.3% (136 million) are prediabetic.

Lifestyle factors and early onset are worsening India's diabetes epidemic.

Urgent policies for prevention, early detection, and treatment are essential.

India is grappling with the world's second-highest economic burden due to diabetes, a staggering sum estimated at USD 11.4 trillion (or INT$ 11.4 trillion) between 2020 and 2050. This alarming figure, revealed by a new international study published in the journal *Nature Medicine*, places the United States at the top with USD 16.5 trillion, followed by China at USD 11 trillion. The comprehensive analysis, conducted by researchers from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Vienna University of Economics and Business, examined the economic impact of diabetes across 204 countries. A significant portion of this economic toll, approximately 90%, is attributed to informal caregiving provided by family members, as people with diabetes live longer with the condition, leading to substantial losses in labor supply. Beyond the economic statistics, the article highlights a growing public health crisis within India, further explained by medical professionals. A recent nationwide study indicates that approximately 11.4% of the Indian population is diabetic, with an additional 15.3% (roughly 136 million people) categorized as prediabetic. Prediabetes significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with up to 60-70% of individuals potentially progressing to the full-blown disease over their lifetime. Doctors emphasize that factors like sedentary lifestyles, diets rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars, late-night eating, and stress are major contributors to this escalating epidemic, particularly in urban areas. The early onset of diabetes and its complications in younger populations in India is a major concern. Experts stress the critical need for promoting healthier lifestyles, comprehensive screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment to mitigate both the health risks and the profound economic consequences of diabetes in India. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for robust healthcare policies and preventive measures to address the widespread impact of diabetes on the nation's health and economy.
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