Characteristics of undiagnosed diabetes in men and women under the age of 50 years in the Indian subcontinent: the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)/Demographic Health Survey 2015–2016

What is it about?

We report the results on undiagnosed diabetes in India and the role of healthcare access for this population. Our findings are drawn from the largest, nationally representative survey, the fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4/DHS) conducted in 2015-2016, of women aged 15 to 49 years and men aged 15 to 54 years and covering all 29 states and 7 union territories in India. Our analysis provides risk factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes in India and, further, highlights the geographic discrepancies across the states of India. Our findings further draw attention to three aspects. First, 42% of the individuals in India with diabetes are unaware of their diabetes status (are “undiagnosed”). Second, there is poor detection of diabetes in India. Nearly 45% of undiagnosed diabetes individuals have access to healthcare. Third, region of the country is a significant factor for undiagnosed diabetes more so than urban versus rural dwelling populations. Further, men and younger individuals are most at risk of being undiagnosed.

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