New Delhi: On World Diabetes Day, Practo, a digital health services platform, released new insights into diabetes care trends across the country. The findings reveal a significant shift, with Millennials (aged 25-34) now leading diabetes consultations, accounting for over half (52 per cent) of all appointments in 2024. This marks a notable change from previous years.
India is home to an estimated 77 million adults with diabetes, and another 25 million are at risk (prediabetes). With over 50 per cent of people unaware of their diabetic status, the need for early diagnosis and management has never been more urgent. According to the WHO, failure to intervene on time heightens the risk of severe complications.
In major metropolitan areas, Delhi (34 per cent) and Bangalore (31 per cent) top the list for diabetes consultations, reflecting increased awareness of diabetes management among younger adults. They are followed by Hyderabad (16 per cent), Mumbai (13 per cent), and Chennai and Pune (3 per cent each). In these cities, the 25–34 age group is the most engaged, indicating a shift in health responsibility among young Indians.
Smaller cities are also experiencing a rise in diabetes care demand, with top contributors including Kolkata (29 per cent), Visakhapatnam (19 per cent), Jaipur (15 per cent), Bhubaneswar (12 per cent), and Ahmedabad (9 per cent).
Among tier 1 cities, diabetes consultations from different age groups vary: Chennai: 58% of consultations from the 25–34 group, 21per cent from 35–44. Bangalore: 50 per cent from 25–34, 36 per cent from 35–44. Delhi: 41 per cent from 25–34, 35 percent from 35–44. Hyderabad: 45 per cent from 25–34, 40 per cent from 35–44. Mumbai: 41 per cent from 35–44, a unique trend among metros. Pune: 52 per cent from 35–44, indicating a broader age range seeking health precautions.
Dr. Pawan Goel, from the Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, New Delhi, said, “Indians are affected by diabetes at a younger age and more frequently than in Western societies. Platforms like Practo have made it easier to provide diabetes care, engage patients remotely, and offer standards of care, improving patient outcomes.”
