Why is Diabetes Becoming Such a Big Problem in India?

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Diabetes is becoming a growing concern in India. According to the studies of the World Health Organization (WHO), this country has over 7.7 crore people above the age of 18 years suffering from Type-2 diabetes and around 2.5 crore prediabetics. This growing problem has earned India the title of the diabetes capital of the world.


What is the Reason for the Rise of Diabetes in India?



  1. Rapid Urbanisation


Over the past few decades, India has undergone massive urbanisation. Therefore, due to shifts from sedentary lifestyles to desk jobs, long screen hours, and reduced physical activity have increased the risk of insulin resistance resulting in diabetes.



  1. Unhealthy Dietary Patterns


Traditional Indian diets are increasingly replaced with processed and high-calorie foods. From fast food and sugary beverages to refined carbohydrates, these types of foods are often low in nutrients but high in calories. With daily consumption of such items, the body produces unhealthy fats, leading to obesity, which is a major factor in diabetes.



  1. Rising Stress Levels


Individuals working in high-stress jobs in India can disrupt their hormonal balance, leading to increased blood sugar levels. Additionally, irregular sleep patterns, work pressure, and mental health challenges further increase the risk of metabolic disorders.



  1. Genetic Predisposition


Studies of the National Centre for Biotechnology Information show that Indians have higher insulin resistance, which makes them genetically more prone to diabetes. This means people who may not even be obese can also develop this disease.



  1. Economic and Healthcare Challenges


Although healthcare access has improved, there is a high number of people who face diabetes related challenges due to poverty and lack of awareness. Since they often avoid regular health check-ups due to cost concerns, this results in undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes.


What are the Ways to Deal With the Increasing Risks of Diabetes?


You can effectively prevent diabetes by adopting a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and undergoing regular health screenings.


In fact, to address this situation, you should consider a reliable health insurance plan that supports preventive care, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment. However, policyholders who have already been diagnosed with this condition can avail the policy benefits only after serving a waiting period of 12 to 36 months.


What is Covered Under a Health Insurance for Diabetes?



  • Hospitalisation Cost: Diabetic patients can get assistance for inpatient hospitalisation expenses, including room rent, nursing fees, and ICU charges.



  • Diabetes Complications: You can provide medical assistance for complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.



  • Outpatient Benefits: Policyholders can reimburse the expenses for medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and drugs up to specified limits for diabetes



  • Daycare Procedures: Coversmedical procedures for diabetes that do not require a full 24-hour hospital stay.


Final Words


Diabetes in India has turned into a lifestyle-driven epidemic. This is why, to deal with conditions effectively, you must purchase a reliable health insurance plan covering diabetes.


It will not only help you to reduce your financial burden from high hospital bills but also prevent this condition from becoming serious.