India vs Pakistan: Diabetes is a critical global health problem that affects millions of people in different geographies. The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes varies tremendously; however, several countries are facing extremely high diabetes rates. In its most recent, published in 2021, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) found that there are several countries that have diabetes rates, across 20-79 year olds, that were greater than ten percent.

In terms of diabetes, Pakistan ranks first (30.8%). Kuwait was second (24.9%) followed by Egypt (20.9%). Also high were Qatar (19.5%), Malaysia (19.0%) and Saudi Arabia (18.7%). These numbers indicate immediate action could be done to promote diabetes awareness and prevention in these countries.

Pakistan is now the number one country for diabetes at a staggering 30.8% of adults aged 20–79 who have diabetes. For every three adult Pakistanis, there is one who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The figures have stunned many, especially with so many urban areas in the country with shockingly higher values (15.1%) with rural values being not sufficient enough to to have a travel value (1.6%).

There are multiple reasons for the epidemic. Currently, 57% of the Pakistani population are classified as overweight, and 73% of these individuals also have abdominal obesity. Participating in sedentary lifestyles, consuming insane portions of processed sugar ps, and investing less than 1% of GDP on public health are key problems. Genetics also play an increasing factor, since South Asians are known to have a higher propensity to diabetes. Alarmingly, more than one quarter of cases of diabetes in Pakistan remain undiagnosed.

The National Action Plan for Non-communicable Diseases is a significant intervention, but progress has been slow due to limited donations and attitudes towards the “normal” level of physical activity in society, especially for women, remain quite restrained.

India has a much lower rate of diabetes at 9.6% but with a total population of over 1.4 billion individuals, that equates to approximately 134 million individuals with diabetes, quite possibly among the highest total numbers in the world. Although this may be lower than Mexico (16.9%) or Egypt (20.9%), the encompassing urbanization and an increasing diet that includes an abundance of processed sugars and faster, sedentary lifestyles have led to a steady climb.

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Diabetes and genetics, along with a ubiquitous condition known as the “thin-fat” phenotype, which means that one looks lean but has a high load of fat on the inside, are additional contributors to the risk of diabetes among Indians. That said, India has taken positive action through programs like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) which focuses on the prevention of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases and provides resources about early diagnosis as well as public health awareness.

There are a number of key differences that explain the gap:

– Access to health care: India spends more on public health and screenings than Pakistan does.

– Urban vs Rural Lifestyle: Higher urban diabetes rates in Pakistan has led to lower participation rates in rural areas.

– Diet and Physical Activity: Pakistan has higher rates of obesity and physically sedentary lifestyles due to cultural and socio-economic contexts.

Both countries need to prioritize public health campaigns, develop a more extensive health education, and invest in cultures of physical activity and an active lifestyle. Promoting exercise, reducing sugar intake, and encouraging early diagnosis require an effort that many will make. The effort requires international buy-in and regional cohesion to meaningfully mitigate one of the biggest public health threats of our time.

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