On World Diabetes Day, a study conducted by Dr. Rajiv Kovil’s clinics in Mumbai’s western suburbs has shed light on an unsettling trend: the COVID-19 pandemic has not only disrupted daily routines but has also significantly accelerated the prevalence and severity of diabetes and related metabolic disorders.

The findings, based on a comparative analysis of patient data spanning four years pre-pandemic (2016–2020) and post-pandemic (2020–2024), underscore the urgent need for early screening and lifestyle interventions to combat this silent killer.

The study highlights a sharp increase in both the number of patients and their health complications post-pandemic. Before the pandemic, the clinics treated 8,824 patients, recording 30,334 visits. These figures rose to 12,058 patients and 50,802 visits in the post-pandemic period. One of the most concerning revelations was the drop in the average age of type 2 diabetes onset, which fell from 47 to 42 years, with a growing number of cases now diagnosed in individuals in their late 20s and 30s.

Rising Complications and Lifestyle Changes

Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of the Rang De Neela initiative, noted alarming trends in metabolic health. “Post-pandemic, newly diagnosed diabetes cases exhibit more severe complications. Over 95% of new patients presented with dyslipidemia, while hypertension at diagnosis jumped from 19% pre-pandemic to 30%. Chronic kidney disease indicators, such as elevated uric acid and proteinuria, now affect 18% of new patients, compared to 12% earlier. Additionally, liver health has deteriorated, with 80% of 822 patients tested showing raised liver enzymes, pointing to a surge in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).”

Weight gain among patients has also been a critical concern. The average weight of newly diagnosed men increased from 75 kg to 84 kg, while women’s average weight rose from 61 kg to 69 kg. Women also exhibited higher body fat composition (42% vs. 36% in men), driven largely by visceral fat—a significant risk factor for metabolic disorders.

Lifestyle shifts exacerbated these issues. Dietary habits showed a rise in the consumption of outside meals, from twice weekly pre-pandemic to six times weekly post-pandemic. Self-reported sleep duration also dropped, from an average of 7.5 hours to 6.8 hours per night, reflecting increased stress and disrupted sleep patterns, both of which are linked to heightened diabetes risk.

COVID-19's Role in Diabetes Spike

Dr. Aarti Ullal, a physician and diabetologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, emphasized the possible link between COVID-19 and new-onset diabetes. “The virus may directly affect pancreatic cells, leading to diabetes in some patients. Additionally, lifestyle changes during lockdowns, such as reduced physical activity and increased consumption of unhealthy food, have raised insulin resistance and weight gain, significantly boosting diabetes risk. Stress and delayed health check-ups have further contributed to the spike in cases. Long COVID symptoms have also been associated with metabolic changes, potentially increasing diabetes risk.”

Call to Action

Experts stress the importance of timely intervention. “Public health initiatives must focus on early metabolic screening and lifestyle management to curb the growing burden of diabetes,” said Dr. Kovil. He emphasized the need for individuals to adopt healthier habits, including balanced diets, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and routine health monitoring, to reduce their risk.

As diabetes continues to rise among younger populations, addressing this challenge demands a collective effort to raise awareness, promote lifestyle changes, and ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. The post-pandemic world has highlighted the need to prioritize health, and this World Diabetes Day serves as a crucial reminder to take action against this silent killer.