Diabetes cases across India have skyrocketed over the past 3 decades, climbing from 162 to 265 per lakh people between 1990 and 2021, marking an alarming 60 per cent rise. As per a Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021, these are the states with the highest diabetes burden.
With a staggering 392.4 cases per lakh population, Tamil Nadu tops the national charts. Urbanisation, sedentary habits, changing diets, excess carbohydrates like rice have fuelled a silent epidemic in the state.
The state faces a mounting health concern -- 314.3 cases per lakh people. Despite its smaller population, the state records high rates of obesity and sugar consumption. Time to swap the pork dishes for more fish and incorporate more jogs on the beach.
At 307 per lakh population, Karnataka stands among India’s most affected states. Diet changes and introduction of more exercise is the need of the hour.
Hearty diets of Makki Di Roti, Chole Bhature, paneer, stuffed parathas might not help in a state faced with 302.8 people per lakh affected by diabetes.
Surprisingly this hill state too has alarming rates of diabetes, recording 300.3 cases per lakh population, defying the assumption that rural or hilly regions are immune.
The Northeastern state with the highest incidence of diabetes -- 295.3 persons per lakh population suffer from diabetes.
Known for its top healthcare facilities, yet Kerala faces a worrying diabetes load of 284.9 per lakh people. Its ageing population, combined with high carbohydrate intake, has made diabetes one of its most pressing health challenges.
30.6 per cent of Chhattisgarh is tribal population, people known for better eating habits, but that didn't keep the state off the list of escalating diabetes prevalence. Diabetes affects 283.9 people per lakh population.
The megapolis' fast-paced urban lifestyle reflects in its 278.9 per lakh diabetes prevalence. High stress, irregular eating habits, pollution-induced inactivity have turned the capital into a hotspot for metabolic disorders.