India Bears Second Highest Economic Burden from Diabetes, Study Finds
A recent study has revealed that India bears the second highest economic burden from diabetes globally, highlighting the growing financial and health challenges posed by the disease. Researchers noted that the economic impact of diabetes far exceeds that of other major health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or cancer, due to its high prevalence, long-term treatment requirements, and associated complications.
The study emphasises that the costs include direct medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, and indirect costs such as loss of productivity and reduced quality of life. With India having one of the largest populations of people living with diabetes, the economic strain on families and the healthcare system is substantial.
Experts called for urgent measures to manage this burden, including awareness campaigns, early diagnosis, lifestyle interventions, and affordable access to treatment. They also highlighted the need for policy initiatives to integrate diabetes care into public health planning, aiming to reduce long-term healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes.
