The workforce in India is confronting a critical health issue, with a notable increase in the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes. The rising incidence of diabetes among workers in both structured and informal sectors underscores a significant health emergency. The concerning trend highlights the urgent necessity for proactive strategies, particularly in light of the increasing effects on younger workforce populations. 

Dr. Advait Sharma, Chief Medical Officer at Truworth Wellness, an organisation focused on corporate health, emphasises a troubling development.

Dr. Sharma stated, “India's diabetes epidemic is not limited to any one sector, and unfortunately, it's now affecting younger people in both urban and rural settings.”

Experts say that both organized and unorganized sectors have reported alarm levels that require intervention and analysing  data from the WHO, IDF, ICMR, and NFHS reveals that from 2000 to 2023, diabetes and prediabetes rates in India increased significantly.

The organized sector's workforce is vital to the economy; it provides jobs and production. This section covers many sectors and professions, reflecting labor relations' structure and regulations.

Organisational diabetes prevalence has increased from 12.1% in 2000 to 26.4% in 2023 in urban regions and trebled in rural areas from 6.5% to 18.1%. 

Diabetes rates are rising, especially in metropolitan areas, from 14.2% in 2010 to 25.2% in 2023. Rural diabetes rates rose from 9.5% in 2010 to 19.2% in 2023, a worrying trend.

Unorganized workers make up a large portion of the labor market and lack official employment contracts and benefits. Despite job uncertainty and insufficient social benefits, this sector is vital to the economy.

Urban workers in the unorganized sector will have 22.8% diabetes in 2023, up from 8.5% in 2000. Over the same period, rural prevalence rose from 4.8% to 16.3%. Prediabetes prevalence in cities rose from 11.5% in 2010 to 21.1% in 2023. In the same period, rural instances rose from 7.8% to 16.1%.

Dr. Sharma notes the rising prevalence of diabetes in India's workforce, particularly in the unorganised sector, where healthcare resources are scarce. Recent research emphasizes the need for accessible healthcare interventions across industries.

India's diabetes epidemic is due to urban workers' sedentary lifestyles. Demanding work conditions increasingly link the high stress levels of young professionals to diabetes-risky coping mechanisms. Dr. Sharma warns that stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and sleep disturbances significantly raise the risk of diabetes. Stress-related drinking, smoking, and overeating increase the condition.

Lifestyle and prevention effects

Due to the worrisome surge in diabetes diagnoses among young working people, Dr. Sharma stresses the significance of lifestyle adjustments to lower risk.

Dr. Sharma stresses healthy lifestyles and says a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will help manage blood sugar. Experts warn that processed foods and sugary drinks can affect blood glucose levels.

Dr. Sharma recommends using stairs, walking meetings, and desk stretching to combat a sedentary work lifestyle.

He says stress-relief approaches like deep breathing, mindfulness, and yoga can reduce the health risks of alcohol and smoking. Poor sleep quality is connected to insulin resistance, a diabetes risk factor, according to a study. Dr. Sharma stresses the necessity of a consistent sleep schedule for metabolic health and diabetes prevention.

Dr. Sharma emphasizes regular health checks, including blood glucose monitoring. Preventing diabetes requires early prediabetes detection. 

The significant differences in living conditions between urban and rural populations are evident. India needs targeted policies and initiatives to close these gaps in resources, healthcare, education, and economic opportunity.

Urban areas continuously have greater rates of diabetes and prediabetes than rural locations in both sectors, according to recent statistics. The growing discrepancy is due to urbanization, which promotes sedentary lifestyles and fast food. Rural rate increases indicate a widespread lifestyle and health shift, a worrying trend.

Dr. Sharma notes that diabetes is spreading to rural areas, especially among young people. Changing circumstances underscore the need for preventative health education and interventions in rural areas.

Meeting crucial workforce-centric health initiative requirements

Dr. Sharma stresses the importance of workplace solutions as diabetes continues to impact health and the economy. Lifestyle education and regular screenings are his priorities for organized and unorganized health programs. He says, “It is essential to develop diabetes prevention programs that address the unique requirements of various work environments, ensuring that health resources are accessible to all.”

Diabetes and prediabetes are rising in India's workforce, especially among young people. Dr. Sharma says, “Diabetes prevention must be a collective effort.” Lifestyle adjustments and preventive health practices can help India's workforce fight this scourge. A comprehensive diabetes treatment plan includes food, exercise, stress management, and regular health checks. These small yet important changes promote health.