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Listen to Story India is facing a growing burden of diabetes, with incidence in younger people increasing exponentially in the past few years. A new Lancet study revealed that one-fourth of diabetics in the world are from India, and over 62% of them aren't receiving any treatment. While experts believe the cause of this might be low awareness and acceptance, a new study has found that most people fear developing complications as a result of the condition .
The research by the International Diabetes Federation, an umbrella organisation of over 240 national diabetes associations, revealed that 86% of diabetics in India have experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Dr. Banshi Saboo, Diabetologist and Chairman of Diabetes Care & Hormone Clinic in Ahmedabad, who was involved in the study, said these figures suggest that the mental well-being of over 59 million people in India could be impacted by the daily burden of managing their condition.
Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood sugar levels are elevated. Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune , requiring lifelong insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas) as the body cannot produce it. Type 2 diabetes develops from insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle, and is managed with diet, exercise, and medication.
Both types demand monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management to prevent complications. The Mental Stress of a Diabetic Given that diabetes treatment requires a person to check their blood sugar levels regularly to avoid frequent spikes, it does amount to certain stress in a busy life. Nupur Lalvani has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1995.
In type 1 diabetes, a person has to go through a lifelong treatment of injecting insulin into their body or using an insulin pump to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes develops from insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle, and is managed with diet, exercise, and medication. (Photo: Getty Images) They have to monitor glucose regularly , follow a balanced diet, exercise, and manage stress.
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and emerging technologies improve care, but consistent self-management remains crucial for health. "Diabetes isn't just a condition; it's a constant companion that impacts absolutely everything. Every day, 24/7, I make over 180 decisions just to stay alive," Lalvani said, who has to rely on insulin therapy for survival.
In type 2 diabetes, a person also has to keep monitoring their blood sugar levels, go for regular check-ups to see if their pancreas, kidneys, and liver are healthy, include exercise in their routine, avoid sugar , and manage stress while also taking their medications on time. While fear of developing complications was the most common factor leading to mental health conditions in most Indian diabetics, other factors included daily diabetes management, accessing support from a healthcare professional, and accessing medicines and supplies. India’s diabetes crisis is worsened by high healthcare costs and limited insurance coverage, as less than 25% of Indians are insured.
Diabetes care costs around Rs 15,535 per person yearly, a heavy burden for many. Rural states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh face low awareness and poor access to care, while urban areas see rising cases due to stress and lifestyle changes. Socioeconomic factors make it harder for low-income families to afford treatment, especially in rural areas.
Meanwhile, states with better healthcare systems , like Delhi and Goa, show higher awareness and treatment rates, highlighting stark regional disparities. What Should Be Done? While diabetes in itself requires a stringent lifestyle, daily task of fulfilling it can be exhausting. Experts call for doctors to recognise the impact of diabetes on mental well-being to improve treatment outcomes.
Professor Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), who launched the survey, said that most healthcare professionals focus on pharmacotherapy, disease diagnosis, management, and outcome measurement for people living with diabetes. The other aspect of mental health and well-being is ignored . In type 2 diabetes, a person also has to keep monitoring their blood sugar levels.
(Photo: Getty Images) Besides this, one must also consider the gender disparity of the disease when it comes to treatment in India. According to the study, 90% of women living with diabetes responded that they had experienced a mental health condition as a result of their diabetes, compared to 84% of men. Professor Peter Schwarz recommended digital tools or apps that could help people be comfortable in accessing therapy for their condition.
This could also help in fighting stigma related to therapy, he said. While there are no clear policies to improve the accessibility of mental health support, focusing on diabetes in terms of mental health and well-being could make the problem smaller, asserted Prof. Schwarz.
"We should develop interventions addressing mental health. And here I would say very strongly focus on digital interventions," he said. Addressing diabetes in India requires a holistic approach that goes beyond physical treatment.
Recognising the deep mental health impact of the condition is crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life. By integrating mental health support into diabetes care and leveraging digital tools, individuals can be empowered to manage their condition more effectively..
