Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use it, leading to high blood sugar levels. It affects millions worldwide and is a major public health concern. According to the report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the prevalence of diabetes in India is 10.1 crores. The National Family Health Survey of India (NFHS) estimates that the prevalence of diabetes in India is 16.1%. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage. Its prevalence is rising due to aging, urbanization, and lifestyle changes, making early diagnosis and management essential to prevent complications.

Understanding diabetes risk is crucial, especially for middle-aged adults in India, where sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and genetic predisposition fuel rising cases. Early awareness helps prevent complications like heart disease and kidney issues. Proactive health checks, lifestyle changes, and timely interventions can significantly reduce the disease’s burden and improve quality of life.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence and requires insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is the more common form, often linked to lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough to maintain normal glucose levels. Unlike Type 1, it can often be managed or prevented through diet, exercise, and medications when necessary.

Diabetes is diagnosed using specific tests to measure blood sugar levels. The Hemoglobin A1C test is a key diagnostic tool that reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), an A1C level of ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol) indicates diabetes. Additional tests include fasting plasma glucose (≥126 mg/dL in two measurements), an oral glucose tolerance test (≥200 mg/dL after 2 hours), or detecting symptoms like polydipsia and polyuria alongside a random glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL. Prediabetes is identified with impaired fasting glucose (100–125 mg/dL) or impaired glucose tolerance (140–199 mg/dL after OGTT), offering an opportunity for early intervention.

Proactive health management is key to reducing diabetes risk. Lifestyle modifications like maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing weight, and avoiding smoking can significantly lower the chances of developing the condition. Regular screenings help detect early signs, enabling timely interventions. Consulting healthcare providers ensures personalized advice and effective monitoring, empowering individuals to take charge of their health and prevent complications associated with diabetes and related conditions.

The Diabetes Risk Calculator is a valuable tool that estimates an individual's likelihood of developing diabetes. Formula: Result = ((0.028 × age) + (0.661 × sex) + (0.412 × ethnicity) + (0.079 × fasting_glucose) + (0.018 × systolic_blood_pressure) - (0.039 × HDL) + (0.07 × BMI) + (0.481 × family_history) - 13.415) Risk = 100 / [1 + e^{-1×Result}] where; age is expressed in years; sex - input a value of 1 for a female and 0 for a male; ethnicity - input 1 if Indian, 0 if non-Hispanic white; fasting_glucose - measurement of fasting glucose in mg/dL; SBP - systolic blood pressure in mmHg; HDL - high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in mg/dL; BMI - body mass index in kg/m²; and family history - input 1 if at least one parent or sibling has diabetes, or 0 if this isn't the case.