NEW DELHI: An alarming 101 million or 11 per Cent of India’s total population is suffering from diabetes, while 35.5 per cent of Indians suffer from hypertension, according to a groundbreaking Study published in The Lancet medical journal.

Conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Union health ministry, the research study offers a comprehensive assessment of the burden of non-communicable diseases across all states in the country.

According to the study titled “Metabolic Non-communicable Health Report of India: The ICMR-INDIAB National Cross-sectional Study,” a staggering 11.4 per cent of the Indian population is living with diabetes, while 35.5 per cent suffer from hypertension.

The findings highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to address the growing epidemic of NCDs in India.

ALSO READ: Now your OTT content will come with tobacco warning

The survey, which covered 113043 people, including both urban (33,537) and rural (79,506) residents, across 31 states and Union territories from 2008 to 2020, reveals concerning trends. It estimates that in 2021 alone, there were approximately 101 million people diagnosed with diabetes, 136 million with pre-diabetes, and a staggering 315 million with hypertension. These numbers underscore the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need for preventive measures and proper management.

The study further uncovers that generalised obesity affects 28.6 per cent of the Indian population, while 39.5 per cent suffer from abdominal obesity. Hypercholesterolemia, a condition associated with a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, was found in 24 per cent of the population.

ALSO READ: How IIT-J plans to add AyurTech layer to your smartwatch

Additionally, 15.3 per cent of people have pre-diabetes, a concerning precursor to the development of diabetes.

The research findings indicate a significant disparity between different regions of the country. States such as Kerala, Puducherry, Goa, Sikkim, and Punjab reported the highest prevalence of NCDs compared to other parts of India. However, the study emphasizes that the problem extends nationwide, with obesity, hypertension, and other cardiometabolic risk factors prevalent across both urban and rural areas.

Dr RM Anjana, the lead researcher associated with the project, emphasizes the need for immediate action by governments to address the growing burden of NCDs.

The detailed state-level data provided by the study can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers in formulating evidence-based interventions tailored to specific regions.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 

The post 100 million Indians diabetic, 315 million have hypertension: Study appeared first on THE NEW INDIAN.