Source The telegraph India
India has emerged as the country with the second-highest economic burden caused by diabetes globally, according to a new international study, with China ranking third. The findings highlight the growing financial and public health challenges posed by the chronic disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The study estimates that diabetes-related costs—ranging from direct medical expenses such as hospitalisation, medication, and diagnostics to indirect costs like productivity losses and premature mortality—are placing a significant strain on national economies. Only the United States was found to bear a higher economic burden than India.
Researchers noted that India’s high ranking is driven by a rapidly rising number of diabetes cases, early onset of the disease, and gaps in timely diagnosis and long-term disease management. Urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and genetic susceptibility have all contributed to the growing prevalence of diabetes across age groups in the country.
China, which ranked third, also continues to see a sharp increase in diabetes-related costs due to its large population and ageing demographics. However, experts pointed out that India’s healthcare system faces added pressure because a substantial share of treatment costs is paid out of pocket by patients.
Public health experts have warned that without stronger prevention strategies, early screening programmes, and affordable access to care, the economic impact of diabetes in India could rise further in the coming years. They emphasised the need for policy interventions focused on lifestyle modification, primary healthcare strengthening, and awareness campaigns.
The study underscores diabetes as not just a medical concern but a major economic challenge, calling for coordinated global and national efforts to curb its growing impact.
