Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : November 14, 2025 7:31 AM IST
Diabetes Cases Set To Explode In India: Alarming Study Warns of 73% Surge By 2050 — Tips To Control Your Blood Sugar Now
Diabetes In India: In a recent study, experts have raised the alarm about a looming diabetes crisis in India, warning that the country is set to witness a whooping 73% surge in total diabetes counts by 2050. According to the International Diabetes Federation, around 89.8 million people in India are currently living with diabetes, making it the country with the second-highest number of diabetics globally, with a prevalence rate of approximately 12%.
This alarming projection comes from a comprehensive study published in The Lancet, which reveals that nearly 101 million Indians were living with diabetes in 2023, and this number could cross 174 million by 2050 if current trends continue. The sharp increase not only spells trouble for the health of individuals but also places a massive burden on India's already-stressed healthcare system.
Talking about the trigger factors that may be contributing to this sudden surge in diabetes counts, Dr Prithvi Singh Choudan, Apollo Hospitals, said, "Consuming high-calorie foods and drinks, saturated fats, and sugars can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Regularly eating processed and fast foods, coupled with a lack of exercise contributes to obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes."
Diabetes is a lifestyle disease - which means all that we do or the lifestyle that we follow contributes to the onset of this condition. Marked by an excessive presence of blood glucose in the body, this condition can turn fatal if proper care is not taken on time. "Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) from food enter the cells to be used for energy" - The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes.
With such a concerning study coming into the picture, experts have urged everyone to be cautious about how they are managing their lifestyle habits to tackle blood sugar levels to control diabetes. Here are a few tips that you must also incorporate into your lifestyle routine to stay healthy:
Opt for whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, and nuts. Avoid white rice, white bread, and sugary drinks. Choose fruits like apples, berries, and guavas in moderation.
One of the main things to keep in mind when trying to control blood glucose levels is to not live a sedentary lifestyle. One who is at risk of diabetes must aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Walking, yoga, cycling, and strength training all help improve insulin sensitivity.
Apart from eating right, one should also keep a close eye on their weight and BMI reports. Studies have shown that even a modest weight loss of 5 10% can significantly lower your risk of diabetes or help manage the disease more effectively.
Another biggest contributor to diabetes onset is stress. Yes, you read that right! Studies have proven that stress increases blood sugar levels. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness techniques to manage mental health.
When you are at risk of diabetes, make sure to give your body enough rest so that it functions well. Understand that poor sleep affects insulin production and increases cravings for sugary foods. Aim for 7 9 hours of restful sleep each night.
Another lifestyle tips to manage a healthy blood sugar level is to stay away from smoking and alcohol drinking behaviour. These two can significantly contribute to high blood sugar levels.
"By producing insulin, the body usually manages blood sugar levels. However, multiple factors affect this blood sugar management and lead to high blood sugar. Blood sugar management is significant for people with diabetes."
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