Diabetes has quietly become a part of everyday life for many Indians. Almost everyone knows a friend, relative, neighbour, or colleague who checks their sugar levels, avoids sweets, or talks about “BP
and sugar” in the same breath.
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Around 11.4 per cent of the population, roughly 10.1 crore people, are living with diabetes, while an additional 15.3 per cent, or 13.6 crore people, are in the prediabetic stage, as per a 2023 a study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The research was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF).
The Online Debate: What Changed In Two Generations?
A viral post on X read, “Fifty years ago, less than 3% of Indians had diabetes. Today is over 11%. Same genes. Similar food. What changed in two generations?”
Fifty years ago, less than 3% of Indians had diabetes.
Today is over 11%.Same genes. Similar food.
What changed in two generations?— Kiran Kumar S (@KiranKS) February 3, 2026
This took off online.
A user commented, “Unreported doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. The testing is now easier and widespread. Fifty years ago we magically didn’t have foods that were extremely nutritious than now, of course the accessibility to food and junk is now high too.”
Unreported doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
The testing is now easier and widespread.Fifty years ago we magically didn’t have foods that were extremely nutritious than now, of course the accessibility to food and junk is now high too. https://t.co/DjRKGGqrdt
— Srinivas Deepu (@srinivas_deepu) February 3, 2026
Someone countered, “Not similar food. Food habits have changed a lot, mostly for the worse.”
Not similar food.
Food habits have changed a lot, mostly for the worse.
— Professor (@DillikiBiili) February 3, 2026
Another wrote, “People are not just eating the daily food our ancestors ate. They are eating much more – sweets, fries, eating multiple times, fruits and juices. All these on top of the regular food. Go back to eating twice and eating just what we call food. And nothing in between..and walk and walk. As such the genes are the same. Food is the same. Quantity is more which is unnecessary.”
People are not just eating the daily food our ancestors ate. They are eating much more – sweets, fries, eating multiple times, fruits and juices. All these on top of the regular food.
Go back to eating twice and eating just what we call as food. And nothing in between..and walk… https://t.co/8ofxVh8lXH
— CoffeeSoul (@_CreatingWealth) February 3, 2026
A comment read, “Eating more than required, especially unhealthy food.
Lesser physical activity compared to two generations ago. One point though is that two generations ago a lot of people having diabetes would not be detected & treated. Hence the percentage of diabetic people could be an underestimation.”
Eating more than required, especially unhealthy food.
Lesser physical activity compared to two generations ago.
One point though is that two generations ago lot of people having diabetes would not be detected & treated. Hence the % of diabetic people could be an underestimation.— Kishore Vaid
“Its not similar food anymore. Food habits have changed, ingredients have degraded and lack of physical activity. Add to this alcohol n smoke has became a norm,” read a comment.
Its not similar food anymore. Food habits have changed, ingredients have degraded and lack of physical activity. Add to this alcohol n smoke has became a norm
— Dipesh Sultania
“Same genes – no workout physical exercise. Same Food but in packets,” read a comment.
Same genes – no workout physical exercise
Same Food but in packets.— Praveen Goswami (@prawingoswami) February 3, 2026
“It is the food that’s getting increasingly refined and activity levels that keep falling with a sedentary lifestyle,” read a comment.
It is the food that’s getting increasingly refined and activity levels that keep falling with sedentary lifestyle
— Aroor Prashanth Rao (@aroorprashanth) February 3, 2026
“Similar food?? 50 years ago we weren’t having processed foods!! Different food, different lifestyle, different policy making all are causing diabetes,” a user wrote.
Similar food?? 50 years ago we weren't having processed foods!!
Different food, different lifestyle, different policy making all are causing diabetes.— Aryan Saxena (@AryanSa03662198) February 3, 2026
Another wrote, “Si
milar food??? NO WAY. Couple of generations back it was almost 100% home food. Today, see the amount of junk food consumed and eating out. Plus a huge jump in consumption of ultra processed foods. Add to that the lack of physical exercise and movement. Sedentary jobs, high travel times to office. All of this contributes to this explosion of Type 2 diabetes.”Similar food??? NO WAY.
Couple of generations back it was almost 100% home food. Today see the amount of junk food consumed and eating out. Plus huge jump in consumption of ultra processed foods.
Add to that the lack of physical exercise and movement. Sedentary jobs, high… https://t.co/ICV3Cos7RH
— Bhaskar Bhattacharya (@bhaskar5591) February 3, 2026
Major Concerns Of Diabetes
Major concerns around diabetes in India are growing steadily. A large number of people remain unaware of their condition, which delays treatment and increases the risk of complications, according to the World Health Organization. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as nerve damage (neuropathy) causing foot ulcers, kidney failure, and diabetic retinopathy, which can result in blindness.
People with diabetes reportedly also face a 2-3 times higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How Food And Lifestyle Has Changed In The Last 50 Years
- Shift from traditional, home-cooked meals to processed and packaged foods.
- Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- More frequent eating out and reliance on ready-to-eat meals.
- Larger portion sizes and higher overall calorie intake.
- Reduced physical activity due to sedentary jobs, long commutes, and technology use.
- Decline in routine exercise and outdoor activity compared to previous generations.
- Greater accessibility of alcohol, tobacco, and sugary beverages.
- Food has become more affordable and convenient but often less nutritious.
