Global Diabetes Burden (2023-2045): Worldwide prevalence: 6.1% (529 million cases) in 2023, projected to rise to 1.3 billion by 20501. Regional disparities: North Africa/Middle East at 9.3% prevalence (rising to 16.8% by 2050); Latin America/Caribbean to reach 11.3%1.

Aging population: Adults ≥65 years face >20% prevalence globally, peaking at 24.4% for ages 75–791. India’s Diabetes Epidemic: National prevalence: 16.1% among adults ≥15 years (NFHS-5, 2019–2021) – 32.9% of households have at least one diabetic member4. Projections: Cases to surge from 74.9 million (2021) to 124.9 million by 20454. Urban-rural divide: Prevalence higher in urban areas (18.5%) vs. rural (14.9%)4.

Hyderabad (Telangana): 30% of adults >30 years have diabetes/hypertension, reflecting a 6% rise in diabetes burden since previous surveys6. Obesity & Metabolic Risks: India’s type-2 diabetes risk: 40% of adults >45 years are at high risk due to obesity, physical inactivity, and aging demographics5. Global drivers: Modifiable risks (diet, sedentary lifestyles) contribute to 51% projected global increase by 20453. HOMA Testing & Cost-Effectiveness: Current gaps in India: Only 7% of diabetics achieve glycemic control, with 73% unaware of their status4. Role of HOMA-IR: Early detection: Identifies insulin resistance before hyperglycemia, enabling preventive interventions.

Cost savings: Reduces long-term expenses from complications (e.g., nephropathy, retinopathy) by ~30–50% through timely management. Affordability: HOMA (fasting insulin + glucose) is 5–10x cheaper than advanced tests (e.g., hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp). Economic Burden of Complications: Direct costs: Annual expenditure for diabetes care in India averages ₹10,000–₹30,000 per patient, rising to ₹1–2 lakh for advanced complications4. Indirect costs: Lost productivity due to disability accounts for 11.2 million DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) nationally2.

Dr. Muddu Surendra Nehru’s Initiative: HOMA Health Care Center (www.homahealthcarecenter.in | +91-9963721999): Strategy: Mass screening with HOMA-IR to target high-risk groups (urban, wealthy, elderly) identified in NFHS-545. Impact: Early diagnosis reduces hospitalization rates by 20–40%, aligning with India’s need for cost-effective, scalable solutions5. Justification for Research Focus: Epidemiological urgency: Diabetes prevalence in India growing 3x faster than global averages4. Policy alignment: Supports national goals for universal NCD screening and SDG 3.4 (reduce premature mortality from NCDs by 2030)6. Dr. Muddu Surendra Nehru, MD (Physician), Professor of Medicine
Contact: +91-9963721999 | www.homahealthcarecenter.in
Hyderabad, India