India Second in Global Diabetes Population in 2024

In 2024, India had the second-highest number of adults with diabetes, at 90 million, following China with 148 million and ahead of the US with 39 million.

This is according to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal.

The study also projected that Pakistan could surpass the US by 2050.

Over 11% of the world's adult population, or 589 million adults aged 20-79, were affected by diabetes in 2024, and this number is expected to rise to nearly 13% (853 million adults) by 2050.

Most of the world's diabetes population, about 80.64%, live in low and middle-income countries.

The increase in diabetes cases is attributed to population growth, aging, and urbanization.

The study also found that diabetes prevalence is higher among men than women, and in urban areas compared to rural areas.

Middle-income countries had the highest prevalence of diabetes, followed by high-income and low-income countries.

The researchers emphasized the need for stronger efforts to slow the progression of the diabetes epidemic, with strategies tailored to different countries and population groups.