A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine highlights that India is projected to face the world's second-highest economic burden due to diabetes, amounting to an estimated USD 11.4 trillion between 2020 and 2050. This significant financial strain places India behind only the United States, which bears the highest costs at USD 16.5 trillion, and ahead of China, ranked third at USD 11 trillion. The comprehensive research, conducted by experts from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Vienna), analyzed the economic impact of diabetes across 204 countries. A crucial finding of the study is that informal caregiving, often provided by family members, contributes significantly to this economic burden, accounting for approximately 85 to 90 per cent of the total costs. When informal care is included, global diabetes costs could soar to as much as USD 152 trillion, or 1.7 per cent of the world's yearly GDP. The researchers emphasize that for India and China, these high economic costs are primarily attributed to a large affected population, while in the US, high treatment costs and physical capital diversion are major contributors. The study underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies, including promoting healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity and a balanced diet, as well as implementing comprehensive diabetes screening programs for early detection and timely treatment to mitigate both the health and economic consequences. Over a quarter of the world's diabetics are estimated to reside in India, further highlighting the country's critical position in managing this global health challenge.