Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath has raised alarm over India’s escalating diabetes crisis, warning that the country is ignoring a major health emergency at its own peril. Kamath highlighted staggering statistics, revealing that 21 crore Indians are currently living with diabetes, with urban youth facing particularly high risks.
Key Concerns Raised by Kamath
- Surging Soft Drink Consumption: Kamath pointed to a recent earnings call from a beverage company, which indicated that Indians are consuming more soft drinks than ever. He linked this trend to the rising diabetes epidemic, emphasizing that India is now at the epicenter of the global diabetes crisis.
- High Risk for Young Indians: According to Kamath, a 20-year-old woman living in an Indian city today has a 64.6% chance of developing diabetes during her lifetime, while young men face a 55.5% risk.
- Lack of Awareness & Treatment: Kamath noted that 27.5% of diabetics in India are unaware of their condition, and even fewer seek treatment. He stressed that less than 20% of Indians have health insurance, forcing many to pay out-of-pocket, which is a huge burden for low-income households.
Call for Systemic Action
Kamath emphasized that there is no single solution to the crisis. He advocated for public awareness campaigns, expanded insurance coverage, early detection programs, and lifestyle changes to combat the growing health emergency.
Conclusion
With diabetes rates soaring across India, Kamath’s warning serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals. His message underscores the urgent need for collective action to address India’s worsening health crisis.
