Half of Indians Have High Blood Sugar, Reveals Study of 4 Million Lab Reports

A countrywide study has revealed a concerning rise in cases of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes across India. The comprehensive research, based on millions of diagnostic test results conducted between 2021 and 2025, found that nearly one in two HbA1c test results were well within the diabetic range. At least one in four people showed signs of prediabetes. Also known as the glycated hemoglobin test, the HbA1c measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It works by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin in your red blood cells that has sugar attached to it. According to experts, the normal HbA1c level is usually below 5.7 per cent, while prediabetes goes higher from 5.7 to 6.4 per cent, and higher than 6.5 per cent would

mean you have diabetes.

What does the analysis mean for Indians?

Experts believe that, given that there is already a high caseload of diabetes and prediabetes in the country, the new study would mean more than half of those tested have some form of blood sugar irregularity, which is a clear sign that diabetes is tightening its grip on the population. The study, titled Diabetes: The Silent Killer Sweeping Across India, released by PharmEasy, analysed over four million diagnostic reports and 19 million medicine orders from 29 states and union territories. The findings point to how widespread metabolic disorders have become, with the disease increasingly affecting not only older adults but also youngsters. “We witness every day how early testing and awareness can truly change lives,” said Gaurav Verma, Head of B2C, PharmEasy.

Why are diabetes cases rising among youngsters?

Data says more than 101 million people in India have diabetes, with some reports estimating the number to be as high as 101.3 million, which represents about 11.4 per cent of the population. Additionally, an estimated 136 million people are prediabetic, and a significant number, over 38 million, are estimated to be undiagnosed. Doctors say the numbers are increasing due to a combination of factors, which include genetic predisposition, unhealthy dietary shifts toward processed foods and refined carbohydrates, and decreased physical activity linked to rapid urbanization. Increased stress levels and socioeconomic factors also contribute to the growing epidemic. Young individuals frequently encounter erratic sleep habits, shift work, late bedtimes, and early awakenings for employment. Disruption of sleep and circadian cycles impairs glucose control and elevates insulin resistance. Although direct large-scale investigations in individuals aged 20 to 30 are few, growing evidence associates irregular sleep habits with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.