A Clinical Perspective on the Economic Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in India Book: Diabetic Complications—A Multidisciplinary Approach

This chapter discusses the increasing burden of Diabetes Mellitus in India and its impact on healthcare and the economy. The prevalence of Diabetes has risen nationally, particularly in states with higher per capita GDP and among individuals of higher socioeconomic status. The government’s expenditure toward health has increased from 1.6% in FY2021 to 2.1% of GDP in FY2023. In India, about 60% of healthcare treatment is accessed in the private sector. The GDP per capita for 2023 was ₹2,17,704.5 ($2612.45), with an average monthly national income of ₹14,356. The cost of treating diabetes and its complications, such as foot ulcer, myocardial infarction, stroke, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplant, can be catastrophic for a high proportion of the population. Often, families resort to multiple financing mechanisms that can leave them distressed and impoverished. There was a disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on people with diabetes and associated comorbidities, thus warning us of the need to better control such chronic illnesses. There is an urgent need for context relevant guidelines, monitoring adherence, economic evaluation of management protocols, public financial protection schemes, aggressive public health measures, and patient-centric management to curb the rising burden of diabetes in India.