India Faces Rising Young-Onset Diabetes, Warns Expert on World Diabetes Day
The theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day of the World Health Organization (WHO) is — “Diabetes in Life Stages” – emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every person living with diabetes has access to integrated care, supportive environments and policies that promote health, dignity and self-management.
A study conducted in 2025 found that the prevalence of teenage-onset type 2 diabetes in India was: 17.2% The incidence in people under the age of 40 is higher in men (10.6%) than in women (6.5%). The risk increases with age and reaches its peak in the 36-40 age group.
Dr. Krishna Reddy Thaduri, Consultant Endocrinologist, KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened risk factors by increasing sedentary behavior, disrupting sleep, and encouraging unhealthy eating habits, especially among young people. A hectic lifestyle, neglect of health and rising obesity rates, coupled with the genetic predisposition common among South Asians, are contributing to the earlier onset of diabetes in India’s young population.
It is very important to manage diabetes at all life stages. Early screening of high-risk individuals can lead to timely detection, and for those diagnosed, the focus should be on preventing complications such as heart attack, stroke, amputation, eye diseases, kidney failure, and neuropathy.
Sustainable diabetes management is only possible with the following methods: Regular monitoring of diet, exercise, sleep, stress and blood parameterstogether with routine doctor visits, patient support programs, and active involvement of family members in making informed decisions.
This article is by Dr., Consultant Endocrinologist at KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur. Written by Krishna Reddy Thaduri.
