Can India Reduce Diabetes Without Slowing Its Diabetes Economy?
India's rising diabetes burden has created a massive healthcare market, leading to a debate on whether the country can prioritize prevention without harming the 'diabetes economy.' Experts suggest shifting focus toward early detection and lifestyle interventions to manage the crisis.
Why it matters
It highlights the economic paradox where a public health crisis becomes a significant driver of medical industry growth.
India's diabetes burden is no longer just a public health challenge it has also become a major economic driver for the healthcare sector. Rising cases have fuelled demand for medicines, diagnostics, glucose monitoring devices, specialist consultations and chronic disease management, making diabetes one of the country's largest healthcare markets.
India is home to nearly 89.8 million adults living with diabetes, the second-highest number globally, while over 100 million more are estimated to be in the pre-diabetic stage. Driven by rapid urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets and rising obesity, the country's diabetes burden has also fuelled a thriving healthcare ecosystem.
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