India's Silent Crisis: 37% of Professionals Face Pre-Diabetes Risk, Groundbreaking Report Reveals

A groundbreaking new report has peeled back the curtain on a silent health crisis brewing within India’s professional workforce. The inaugural Genesis National Healthcare Index (NHI), a collaborative effort by Apollo 24|7 and Steeroids, reveals a shocking statistic: a staggering 37% of India's working professionals are currently at risk of pre-diabetes.

This isn't just a number; it's a stark warning of a potential public health emergency on the horizon, particularly affecting our younger, productive demographic.

The NHI, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive analysis based on over 1.7 million health records from 2023, paints a concerning picture.

The risk isn't confined to a specific age group, but it's alarmingly prevalent among young adults aged 25-45, who are often considered the backbone of our economy. While men show a slightly higher prevalence at 38% compared to women at 35%, both genders are significantly impacted, indicating a widespread problem that transcends demographic lines.

Urban centers, the engines of India's economic growth, are particularly vulnerable.

Chennai leads the pack with 41% of its professionals facing pre-diabetes risk, followed closely by Mumbai (38%), Delhi (36%), Bengaluru (35%), and Hyderabad (34%). Even Kolkata, though showing a comparatively lower 29%, still represents a substantial portion of its workforce at risk. These figures underscore how modern urban lifestyles, often characterized by high-pressure jobs and demanding schedules, are taking a severe toll on metabolic health.

But what's driving this alarming trend? The report points to several culprits: the pervasive sedentary lifestyle that comes with desk jobs, the relentless stress of professional life, the increasing reliance on unhealthy eating habits, and a chronic lack of adequate sleep.

These interconnected factors create a perfect storm, pushing individuals towards impaired glucose tolerance, the hallmark of pre-diabetes.

Dr. Bhabatosh Biswas, Senior Consultant for Cardiac Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, highlights the insidious nature of pre-diabetes: "Pre-diabetes is a silent killer, as many individuals are unaware of their condition until it progresses to Type 2 diabetes.

This index is a critical step in identifying the silent crisis brewing in India's workforce and empowering individuals to take proactive measures." Indeed, without intervention, pre-diabetes frequently progresses to full-blown Type 2 diabetes, bringing with it a cascade of serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Dr.

Rajpal Singh, Senior Consultant of Endocrinology at Apollo Hospitals, emphasizes the urgency of early detection. "Timely diagnosis and lifestyle modifications are paramount in reversing pre-diabetes and preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Small, consistent changes in diet, exercise, and stress management can make a profound difference." This message resonates as a crucial call to action for both individuals and corporations.

The Genesis National Healthcare Index serves as a vital wake-up call, urging individuals to prioritize regular health check-ups, embrace healthier dietary choices, incorporate physical activity into their daily routines, and manage stress effectively.

For employers, it's an invitation to foster work environments that support employee well-being through health initiatives and awareness campaigns. Only through a concerted effort can India hope to mitigate this burgeoning health crisis and ensure a healthier, more productive future for its professional workforce.