India, 12 November, 2025: According to the World Health Organization, about 630 million people are living with diabetes, a majority of whom are from low-and middle-income countries.  In India, nearly 50% of people remain undiagnosed, until serious complications appear, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. On World Diabetes Day, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, is urging people in India to prioritize diabetes awareness, routine screening, and prevention.

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Mumbai, November 11, 2025 – Ahead of World Diabetes Day (14 November), PharmEasy, one of India’s leading healthcare platforms, has released its latest report titled “Diabetes: The Silent Killer Sweeping Across India”. The study, based on data from January 2021 to September 2025, analysed over 4 million diagnostic reports and 19 million medicine orders across 29 states and Union Territories. The findings highlight the growing burden of diabetes in India and the urgent need for early detection and long-term management.

According to the report, nearly 1 in 3 HbA1c test results fall within the diabetic range, while 1 in 4 individuals show signs of prediabetes. Together, this means more than half of those tested show some form of blood sugar irregularity — underscoring the growing scale of diabetes in the country.

“At PharmEasy, we witness every day how early testing and awareness can truly change lives,” said Gaurav Verma, Head of B2C, PharmEasy (API Holdings). “This report is more than data; it is a call for action. 1 in 2 people tested show high blood sugar levels. And there are millions of Indians unaware they are at risk of diabetes. Through accessible testing, continuous monitoring, and medical guidance, we aim to empower every Indian to take charge of their health. Awareness, timely diagnosis, and prevention must move hand in hand to control this silent epidemic.”

A Silent Epidemic Rising Across Ages

PharmEasy’s report reveals that diabetes is increasingly affecting younger adults. Even among those aged under 30, a significant proportion showed high blood sugar levels. The condition peaks after age 60, with 8 in 10 individuals tested falling into the diabetic or prediabetic range. A particularly sharp rise in high blood sugar cases is seen from the age of 30, indicating how early lifestyle and dietary factors start impacting metabolic health.

“Today, one of the most worrying trends in recent years is the changing age profile of diabetes. This significant shift means that complications such as heart disease, kidney issues, and vision loss are occurring decades earlier than before”, said Dr. Animesh Choudhary, MBBS, MD. “Therefore, it’s important to understand that diabetes prevention should begin in childhood by nurturing healthy eating habits, encouraging regular physical activity, and promoting emotional well-being. These early habits go a long way towards reducing the risk of diabetes and related complications later in life.”

Gender differences and regional patterns

The report highlights notable differences between men and women in blood sugar levels and insulin resistance — a major factor contributing to diabetes. About 51.9% of men and 45.43% of women tested had high blood sugar, while 58% of overall users showed insulin resistance, a key early marker of diabetes and metabolic risk. While men are more likely to develop it earlier due to higher abdominal fat accumulation, women experience a sharper rise post-menopause as estrogen protection declines.

Regionally, southern and coastal regions such as Puducherry (63%), Odisha (61%), Tamil Nadu (56%), and Goa (54%) report higher blood sugar levels, while states like Himachal Pradesh (41%) show comparatively lower numbers. This variation reflects the combined influence of diet, lifestyle, and access to healthcare services.

Diabetes medicines now account for one-third of all PharmEasy orders

The growing dependence on chronic medication is reflected in PharmEasy’s data on medicine orders. Diabetes medicines now make up more than one-third of all PharmEasy medicine orders, increasing from 25% in 2021 to 34% in 2024. This reflects how chronic disease management has become a major part of healthcare in India.

The silent impact beyond blood sugar

PharmEasy’s analysis also reveals the deep connection between diabetes and other organ systems. Among individuals with high blood sugar:

• 1 in 4 also had thyroid abnormalities, mostly hypothyroidism.

• 1 in 3 showed signs of liver function issues.

• Nearly half had some form of kidney impairment.

• About 90% showed deranged lipid profiles, raising their risk of heart disease.

These findings reinforce the importance of routine screening for multiple parameters — including liver, kidney, and heart health — in anyone diagnosed with diabetes.

Early intervention shows positive outcomes

Among those who retested within six months, 22% returned to normal sugar levels, while 61% maintained stable readings. This demonstrates that consistent monitoring, timely medication, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve health outcomes.

The PharmEasy Diabetes Report reaffirms that small, consistent actions can prevent long-term complications. Regular screening, timely treatment, and awareness can help India take a strong step toward reversing the diabetes trend.

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New Delhi, India – 14 November 2024 – With India now labeled as the diabetes capital of the world, Redcliffe Labs is taking a tech-forward approach to help combat the surging numbers, particularly among younger demographics. On World Diabetes Day, the company launched a digital ‘Prediabetes Risk Checker’ tool on its official Android app. This tool launch is part of Redcliffe Labs’ larger awareness campaign, “Beat the Sugar Trap,” which emphasizes the critical health risks associated with diabetes and educates on prevention strategies to promote better long-term health.

Using data analytics and interactive technology, the Prediabetes Risk Checker is a quick digital assessment designed to give users an instant snapshot of their diabetes risk by evaluating responses to lifestyle and genetic questions. This technology enables individuals, particularly in urban areas with higher incidence rates, to gauge their risk easily without formal consultation. It is more relevant today when over 136 million people are living with prediabetes.

Beyond raising awareness, this technology-driven solution empowers users by providing them with actionable insights. Based on their risk score, users receive personalized recommendations to modify their lifestyle and are encouraged to undertake diagnostic tests for informed decision-making. By providing a clear roadmap to better health, Redcliffe Labs encourages Indians to prioritize preventive care instead of reactive treatments.

“Diabetes is no longer an age-specific concern—it’s affecting younger people in greater numbers, making early detection and prevention essential. Reversing prediabetes is the key to fighting all the associated health risks, which can range from weakening your immunity system to increasing the heart risk to double,” says Aditya Kandoi, CEO & Founder of Redcliffe Labs. “Our Prediabetes Risk Checker provides a user-friendly, tech-based solution that not only helps individuals understand their risk factors but also guides them on taking further steps to mitigate those risks before diabetes develops.”

Through the Beat the Sugar Trap campaign, Redcliffe Labs aims to counter the alarming trend of diabetes among India’s youth.

Dr. Geetanjali Gupta, Director of Technical Operations and Quality Assurance at Redcliffe Labs, said, “We at Redcliffe Labs regularly perform over 50 stringent quality checks to deliver accurate and reliable health check reports for informed decision-making. However, to reach the masses, technology plays a crucial role. It enables us to make preventive healthcare more accessible and personalized. Our Prediabetes Risk Checker represents our commitment to supporting India’s fight against diabetes by empowering individuals to make informed, timely health decisions.”

The Prediabetes Risk Checker aligns with Redcliffe Labs’ purpose of Giving India its Right to Quality Diagnostics, which is possible through Awareness, Accessibility, Affordability, and Accuracy. 

By harnessing digital tools, Redcliffe Labs enhances accessibility, enabling people across 220+ cities to monitor their health easily. This tech-driven approach ensures that healthcare reaches even those in remote areas, bridging the gap and making preventive care achievable. 

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Diabetes affects millions across the world and is increasing at an alarming rate, particularly in youth. GVK Health Hub aspires to ameliorate global health by shifting the focus on prevention, early detection, and effective management as a deterrent to this growing menace. Observed on November 14th, World Diabetes Day underscores the importance of collective and individual efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and management.

Dr. Ganapathi Sastry Nadiminty, Senior Diabetologist and Medical Director at GVK Health Hub, shares insights on managing and reducing diabetes as a critical health challenge.

“It is important to understand that Diabetes affects millions of lives and alarmingly is on an unprecedented rise, more so among the youth. Diabetes, particularly Type 2, is a complex disease, which significantly affects the younger population today due to lifestyle factors.

Obesity is a major concern since it causes insulin resistance which occurs when cells within the body don’t respond to the insulin hormone, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is very important for everyone to maintain a normal BMI, eat a structured diet that contains all essential nutrients, and continue regular exercise, keeping them free from diabetes risk by up to 40%.

Additionally, ensure early detection through periodic check-ups. Patients with diabetes are often asymptomatic during the high blood sugar production phase and complications start quite late, like heart disease, kidney damage, and neuropathy occurring with high sugar levels. Only after monitoring them periodically, can you detect the problem.

Ensure periodic blood glucose (HbAlc less than 7%) checks, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, which are essentially the three ABCs (HbAlc, BP, Cholesterol) of diabetes management and aspire for healthy numbers.

Prevention and management efforts should focus on a balanced diet, physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. Through these steps, we can curb the diabetes epidemic and achieve long-term outcomes.”

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Diabetes, a widespread chronic ailment affecting millions globally, is renowned for its influence on blood sugar regulation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that diabetes can also give rise to various complications, notably eye-related diseases. According to a comprehensive all-India study published in The Lancet, nearly 3 million people aged 40 and above in the country are at risk of blindness due to diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy stands out as one of the most worrisome eye conditions associated with diabetes. It accounts for a substantial portion of blindness cases in working-age adults. This condition is instigated by heightened levels of blood sugar, which inflict damage on the fragile blood vessels situated in the retina, positioned at the rear of the eye. As these blood vessels sustain damage, they may swell and leak, leading to symptoms like blurry vision or disrupted blood flow. In some cases, abnormal blood vessels may start to grow, exacerbating vision problems. It is worth noting that diabetic retinopathy typically affects both eyes, compounding the potential for vision loss.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy

Individuals who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy are vulnerable to developing diabetic retinopathy. It’s important to note that the duration of the diabetes diagnosis significantly impacts the likelihood of this eye condition manifesting. The longer a person has been living with diabetes, the higher their risk of experiencing diabetic retinopathy. Uncontrolled high blood sugar, elevated blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels also heighten the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Smoking, a known contributor to vascular damage, even exacerbates this risk.

Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can be categorized into two primary stages, each with its own set of symptoms and implications:

Early Stage (Nonproliferative): In this stage, the blood vessel walls in the retina weaken and form tiny, imperceptible pouches. These pouches can leak blood and fluid, leading to macular edema, which causes the macula to swell and distort vision. Macular edema is a common cause of blindness in people with diabetic retinopathy, with approximately half of those affected experiencing it.

Advanced Stage (Proliferative): In the advanced stage, the retina initiates the growth of fragile new blood vessels that often bleed into the vitreous, the clear gel between the lens and retina. Minor bleeding results in the appearance of dark spots in the field of vision, while significant bleeding can lead to complete vision obstruction. These new vessels contract and pull retina in later stages leading to detachment of retina and total blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

The good news is that diabetic retinopathy is treatable, and prompt intervention can repair damage to the eye and prevent blindness in the majority of cases. Treatment may commence before visual impairment becomes evident, enhancing the chances of preserving sight. Treatment modalities include laser therapy (laser photocoagulation), which creates a scar tissue barrier to impede the leakage or retard the growth of new blood vessels, and injection of VEGF inhibitors, a category of medications capable of slowing down or reversing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. In certain cases, vitreous removal surgery (vitrectomy) may be required to address issues within the gel-like substance of the eye, where the surgical reattachment of the retina becomes necessary when retinal detachment, a complication of diabetic retinopathy, occurs. Additionally, corticosteroid injections and implants are also available as a management option for this condition, collectively providing effective tools for preventing blindness and preserving vision in those affected by diabetic retinopathy.

World Diabetes Day Significance

On World Diabetes Day, it is crucial to raise awareness about the close relationship between diabetes and eye diseases. This year’s theme is “Know your risk” and “know your response”. Early detection, management, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye problems can go a long way in preserving vision. We need to realize that almost every diabetic is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy but those having duration more than 20 years and those with family history of vision loss are at much higher risk. By understanding the risk factors and the importance of regular eye exams, we can work towards preventing unnecessary blindness in individuals living with diabetes.

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