Half of Indians Have High Blood Sugar | Diabetes Rising in India 2025 Report
Half of Indians Have High Blood Sugar: New Study Raises Health Alarms Nationwide
A recent large-scale study has revealed a shocking truth — half of Indians have high blood sugar levels. Conducted by PharmEasy, the report analyzed over 4 million diagnostic test reports and 19 million medicine orders across 29 states and union territories, painting a concerning picture of India’s growing diabetes crisis.
The study, titled “Diabetes: The Silent Killer Sweeping Across India,” found that more than 50% of those tested showed signs of blood sugar irregularities. This means that millions of Indians are either diabetic or prediabetic — a statistic that emphasizes the urgent need for lifestyle changes and early screening.
Understanding the HbA1c Test: The Key to Detecting High Blood Sugar
The study primarily focused on the HbA1c test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin test, which measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. It does this by assessing the percentage of sugar attached to hemoglobin in your red blood cells.
Normal Range: Below 5.7%
Prediabetes Range: Between 5.7% and 6.4%
Diabetes Range: 6.5% and above
Medical experts warn that even a slight rise in HbA1c levels can indicate a higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders. Given India’s existing burden of diabetes, these findings signal a public health emergency.
What the Study Means for Indians
According to doctors, this data is not just a statistic — it’s a wake-up call. With over 101 million people already living with diabetes in India, the new findings suggest that more than half the population tested shows abnormal blood sugar levels.
Dr. Gaurav Verma, Head of B2C at PharmEasy, emphasized the importance of early detection:
“We witness every day how early testing and awareness can truly change lives. Regular checkups and HbA1c monitoring can help prevent long-term complications.”
This widespread irregularity in blood sugar levels highlights that diabetes is no longer limited to older adults. The disease is increasingly affecting young professionals, college students, and even teenagers, marking a major shift in India’s health landscape.
Why Diabetes Is Rising Among Young Indians
1. Unhealthy Eating Habits
Urbanization has changed India’s dietary habits. People are consuming more processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates, which contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain.
Frequent ordering of fast food and sugary beverages adds to the risk, creating the perfect environment for diabetes to thrive.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle
Work-from-home culture, digital entertainment, and screen addiction have significantly reduced physical activity. Lack of exercise lowers the body’s ability to manage blood sugar effectively, increasing the chances of developing type 2 diabetes at a young age.
3. Sleep Disorders and Stress
Young professionals often deal with irregular sleep cycles, late-night work, and high stress levels. This disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, directly affecting insulin sensitivity. Research indicates that people who get less than 6 hours of quality sleep regularly are more prone to metabolic disorders.
4. Genetic and Socioeconomic Factors
Indians are genetically predisposed to diabetes, and rapid urbanization has intensified the problem. Stress, pollution, and financial instability contribute to poor health outcomes, making diabetes a multifactorial epidemic.
How to Prevent and Manage High Blood Sugar
Despite the alarming data, experts believe it’s possible to reverse or control high blood sugar through early intervention and lifestyle management.
1. Regular Health Checkups
Get tested for HbA1c, fasting sugar, and lipid profile every 6 months, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.
2. Balanced Diet
Choose whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates.
3. Exercise Daily
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity — walking, yoga, cycling, or swimming — to improve metabolism and insulin response.
4. Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management
Sleep for 7–8 hours every night and practice mindfulness or meditation to keep stress in check.
5. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol
Drink enough water throughout the day and limit alcohol or sugary drinks that spike blood sugar levels.
India’s Diabetes Burden: A Global Concern
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), India is home to the second-largest number of diabetic patients in the world — after China. If current trends continue, India could have over 150 million diabetics by 2045.
This statistic underscores the urgent need for public awareness campaigns, better access to preventive healthcare, and stronger policy intervention to promote healthy living among all age groups.
External Source: World Health Organization – Diabetes Facts