Nearly 1 in 2 people tested exhibit abnormal blood glucose levels, says Thyrocare research report

Team L&M

Diagnostic and preventive healthcare provider Thyrocare has released a comprehensive research report uncovering critical insights into the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes across India. The study, which analyzed HbA1c test results from a staggering 1,966,449 adults nationwide undergoing a routine health check-up in 2023, highlights alarming trends and regional disparities in the incidence of the disease. Key findings indicate that 49.43per cent of the tested population exhibited abnormal blood glucose levels, with 22.25 per cent identified as prediabetic and 27.18 per cent as diabetics. These statistics emphasise the growing burden of this metabolic disorder, positioning diabetes as a “pandemic in the making” and calling for urgent action.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

High Prevalence Across Regions
Odisha reported the highest prevalence of both prediabetes and diabetes, while Jammu & Kashmir recorded the lowest levels. This underscores the need for implementation of region-specific health programs to tackle the disparity.

Dietary Patterns and Diabetes
The study revealed a striking correlation between dietary habits and diabetes prevalence. States with higher rice consumption showed a greater incidence of diabetes and prediabetes, while states with predominantly wheat-based diets demonstrated lower prevalence rates, highlighting the role of diet in managing disease risk.

Gender and Age Trends
Males had a significantly higher diabetes prevalence (30.84 per cent) compared to females (23.51 per cent).

Prediabetes prevalence remained relatively balanced between genders.
The data shows highest diabetic burden in 65+ individuals, with worrying trends showing increasing prevalence in the economically active age group of 36-65 years. Young adults between 18-35 years show higher prevalence of prediabetes than diabetes, indicating a high potential to develop the disease.

Socioeconomic and Healthcare Challenges
The study warns of a severe strain on India’s healthcare infrastructure and individual finances, advocating for regular screening and awareness campaigns to mitigate the impact of undiagnosed cases.

Screening Insights and Policy Implications
By leveraging HbA1c—a stable and reliable marker for long-term glucose monitoring—the research highlights the importance of routine testing. The findings urge policymakers to implement targeted preventive measures in high-burden regions, emphasizing lifestyle modifications and public health education.

Rahul Guha, MD & CEO of Thyrocare Technologies Ltd. & President of API Holdings, commented: “This study sheds light on the silent but alarming rise of diabetes and prediabetes in India. With nearly half the tested population exhibiting abnormal glucose levels, it is imperative to prioritize regular testing, mass screening, and early detection. These efforts, combined with education and region-specific interventions, are crucial to curbing this epidemic. The role of diet in disease management cannot be understated, and we hope this research sparks meaningful action in public health policy and promotes a more proactive approach to disease prevention and management.”

Dr. Preet Kaur, Vice President – Lab Operations and Quality at Thyrocare Technologies Ltd. and a co-author of the study, stated, “This research provides a critical lens through which we can view the diabetes epidemic in India. The geographical and dietary trends revealed in this study demonstrate the significant impact of lifestyle on disease prevalence. Our goal with this research is to inspire not only greater public awareness but also stronger data-driven healthcare policies that prioritize early detection and preventive strategies.”

Thyrocare’s findings, published in the scientific journal – Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, serve as a clarion call to combat diabetes through sustained efforts in education, lifestyle transformation, and universal screening programs.