New Delhi, November 10, 2026: An estimated 3.86 crore adults in India are living with undiagnosed diabetes, highlighting a major public health concern as the country prepares to observe World Diabetes Day on November 14.
According to research released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), many adults at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes underestimate their personal risk and face difficulties accessing timely testing.
The federation’s existing population estimates indicate that approximately 8.98 crore adults aged 20–79 have diabetes in India, of whom 43% remain undiagnosed.
New Survey Reveals Low Awareness of Diabetes Risk
The IDF commissioned an international survey covering six countries, including India, Brazil, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the United States.
The Indian survey included 502 adults aged 25–64 who reported risk factors for type 2 diabetes but had not been diagnosed with the condition.
The findings revealed a significant gap between awareness of diabetes testing and recognition of personal risk.
While 84% of respondents believed diabetes risk checks were worthwhile, only 14% considered themselves likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Nearly every participant reported at least two recognised risk factors.
Key Findings From the Diabetes Survey
| Survey finding | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Believe diabetes risk checks are worthwhile | 84% |
| Recognise their personal risk | 14% |
| Believe prediabetes usually has noticeable symptoms | 75% |
| Lack confidence arranging a diabetes check | 48% |
| Fear receiving an unfavourable diagnosis | 35% |
| Do not believe they are at risk | 25% |
| Face difficulty booking appointments | 22% |
These figures describe the 502 surveyed respondents and are not nationally representative.
43% of Indians With Diabetes Remain Undiagnosed
According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, approximately 8.98 crore Indian adults were estimated to have diabetes in 2024.
Of these, around 3.86 crore were estimated to be unaware of their condition.
This figure comes from the federation’s earlier population estimates, not directly from the new 502-person survey.
Undiagnosed diabetes can be dangerous because elevated blood sugar may damage organs before noticeable symptoms develop.
Without timely treatment, diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage and vision loss.
Fear and Lack of Awareness Delay Testing
The study found that emotional and practical barriers prevent many people from undergoing diabetes screening.
Fear of receiving an unfavourable diagnosis was the most frequently reported barrier, affecting 35% of respondents.
Another 25% did not believe they were personally at risk, while 22% reported difficulty arranging appointments.
The findings suggest that improving awareness alone may not be sufficient unless testing services also become easier to access.
India Faces Challenge in Meeting WHO Target
The World Health Organization has set a global target of ensuring that 80% of people living with diabetes are diagnosed by 2030.
India’s estimated diagnosis rate currently stands at approximately 57%, according to the IDF’s assessment.
The federation estimates that reaching the 80% benchmark would require approximately 2.07 crore additional diagnoses by the end of 2030.
This highlights the scale of the challenge facing healthcare providers and policymakers.
Experts Recommend Early Screening
Dr Banshi Saboo, chair of the IDF South-East Asia Region, emphasised the need to make diabetes testing more accessible through community campaigns, pharmacies and clinics offering convenient appointments.
Health experts recommend that people with risk factors discuss appropriate screening with healthcare professionals, even if they feel healthy.
Common tests include fasting blood glucose and HbA1c measurements.
Early diagnosis can help patients manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
World Diabetes Day 2026 Highlights Early Detection
The findings were released ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, which focuses on awareness, early detection and diabetes prevention.
The IDF has called for stronger community screening programmes, improved public education and easier access to healthcare services.
With an estimated 3.86 crore adults living with undiagnosed diabetes, the latest research highlights the importance of recognising risk factors and improving access to testing across India.
Sources: International Diabetes Federation, IDF Diabetes Atlas and Hindustan Times — November 10, 2026
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