Diabetes in India: Perspectives on awareness and care

Background and aims: Diabetes is a major killing recognized as a silent epidemic globally problem. India has the highest number of diabetes cases in the world causing huge morbidity and economic losses to the country. There were 66.8 million adults suffering from with diabetes in India in 2014, which is expected to rise by 63% to 109 million by 2035. Diabetes led to at least USD 612 billion in health expenditure worldwide in 2014 (11% of total spending on adults). Indian diabetic population is expected to reach 70 million by 2025. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives on diabetes awareness and care in India. Method: This paper is based on secondary literature review and authors experience some studies on disease and diabetes in India. Results: There are three levels of awareness and care: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. Once, an optimum level of awareness across the three levels is achieved, it would be translated into optimum level of care. Conclusions: Diabetes is a major challenge for India’s health care system. An optimal mix of awareness levels is required at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in India for a Whole Society Approaching to Diabetes care.