Why Are Indians More Susceptible to Diabetes?

Approximately 89.8 million adults aged 20-79 in India were living with diabetes in 2024, says the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).  What makes Indians more vulnerable to diabetes? This health challenge is deeply rooted in both inherited genes and daily habits.

Exploring these factors reveals the hidden story behind the numbers and points toward ways to fight back against diabetes.

Diabetes and Its Impact in India

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body uses sugar, or glucose, which is a key source of energy. When there’s too much sugar in your blood, it can cause problems in many parts of the body, like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. India faces a rapidly growing diabetes problem. 

For many families and communities in India, diabetes is no longer a rare disease. It is common to know someone close who is managing diabetes, and this has made people more aware of its challenges. 

The impact is not just personal but also affects the economy and healthcare system, creating a significant burden on the country. Understanding the reasons behind this rise is important to find better ways to manage and prevent the disease.

Genetic Factors Behind Higher Diabetes Risk in Indians

One major reason why diabetes is widespread in India lies in genetics, which means the traits we inherit from our parents. Some people have genes that make their bodies less able to handle sugar properly. 

In Indians, certain genetic traits increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. These traits affect how the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone vital for controlling blood sugar, and how the body uses sugar for energy.

Specifically, many Indians tend to have insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond well to the insulin produced. This makes it harder to keep blood sugar levels in check. Additionally, genes that affect the number and health of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas can reduce insulin output. Research has shown that these inherited features are common among Asian Indians, making them more vulnerable when combined with lifestyle factors.

Scientists continue to study these genetic factors, but what is clear is that genetics sets a foundation for risk. However, they do not act alone. Lifestyle choices often determine if and when diabetes develops.

Lifestyle Factors That Increase Diabetes Risk

Besides genetics, how people live plays a big role in diabetes risk. Traditional Indian diets, while varied and rich in nutrients, often include foods that can raise blood sugar. Many meals are high in carbohydrates, like white rice, breads, and sweets, which quickly turn into sugar in the body. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks and snacks adds to the problem.

Urbanization and modern living have led to more sedentary lifestyles. Sitting for long hours at work or home, less physical exercise, and reliance on motorized transport reduce the daily movement needed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Stress from work and life pressures, along with poor sleep patterns, also affect how the body handles sugar and insulin.

Sugar cravings can worsen the situation. When people crave and eat too many sweets, their blood sugar spikes repeatedly. These lifestyle habits can add to the risk caused by genetics, significantly increasing the chance of developing diabetes.

How Genetics and Lifestyle Interact to Raise Diabetes Chances

Genetics and lifestyle are intertwined when it comes to diabetes. To explain simply, imagine genetics as the soil and lifestyle as the seeds we plant. Good soil with bad seeds might still produce some plants, and fertile soil with good seeds produces more. Similarly, someone with a genetic predisposition may never develop diabetes if they follow a healthy lifestyle. But if poor habits meet a genetic risk, the chances rise greatly.

Sometimes, people who seem to have good eating and exercise habits still end up with diabetes due to their inherited genetic factors. This shows why early awareness and monitoring are crucial. Catching warning signs and making changes early can delay or prevent the disease.

Practical Steps to Manage and Prevent Diabetes

Managing or preventing diabetes starts with small, practical changes anyone can make. For Indian diets, switching white rice or refined flour for whole grains like brown rice or millets can slow sugar absorption. Adding more vegetables, lentils, and lean proteins helps balance meals.

Physical activity doesn’t mean intense workouts; even a daily 30-minute walk can improve blood sugar control. Reducing stress through meditation, hobbies, or good social support benefits health, too. Getting enough sleep, about 7-8 hours, helps keep hormones in balance.

Finally, regularly checking blood sugar levels, especially for those at risk or with family history, helps catch problems early. Simple lifestyle changes combined with monitoring empower people to take control of their health.

The Role of Supplements

Along with lifestyle changes, some natural supplements can support better blood sugar management. These work by helping the body process glucose better or by encouraging the pancreas to make insulin more efficiently. While they are not cures, supplements can be useful additions to diet and exercise routines.

Certain plant-based ingredients, known for centuries in traditional medicine, also help reduce sugar cravings, balance glucose absorption, and support insulin production. Their gentle action makes them a popular choice for people wanting extra support in managing blood sugar levels.

One such supplement is NatXtra’s Gymne-Mag D. This product supports healthy blood sugar by aiding the pancreas in producing insulin. Gymne-Mag D helps regenerate the special cells in the pancreas that make insulin, contributing to lower blood sugar levels and a decrease in HbA1c, a key measure of long-term glucose control.

While Gymne-Mag D is not a replacement for medical treatment or lifestyle habits, it acts as a helpful partner. When combined with a good diet, exercise, and regular check-ups, it supports people in their journey toward better blood sugar health.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The story of diabetes in India is shaped by the mix of genes we inherit and the lives we lead. These factors together create the challenges millions face today. But knowledge is empowering. By understanding how genetics sets the stage and lifestyle writes the script, people can make changes that matter.

Adopting healthier eating habits, moving more, managing stress and sleep, and adding supportive aids like Gymne-Mag D can all help keep blood sugar in check. Small, consistent steps each day add up to better health and a brighter future free from diabetes complications.

Taking control starts with one choice. Why not make that choice today?