World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14th, brings global attention to the growing challenge of diabetes and underscores the urgent need for early detection, ongoing management, and public awareness. In India—where millions are silently at risk—the latest report from PharmEasy, “Diabetes: The Silent Killer Sweeping Across India,” sheds light on concerning trends as well as actionable solutions.

In this special interaction, we speak with Gaurav Verma, Head of B2C, PharmEasy (API Holdings), who highlights that diabetes is often underdiagnosed but highly manageable with the right interventions. He explains how accessible testing, timely diagnosis, and consistent lifestyle changes can empower people to regain control of their health. Gaurav Verma also calls on India to prioritize awareness, improve healthcare access, and harness the power of preventive care to curb the diabetes epidemic before it escalates further.

Q1. PharmEasy’s report shows that diabetes medicines now make up over one-third of all medicine orders. What does this indicate about the growing burden of chronic diseases in India?

The growing share of diabetes medicines clearly reflects the increasing burden of chronic diseases in India. It highlights how diabetes is becoming a dominant health concern in India.
At the same time, it also indicates a shift toward greater awareness, early diagnosis, and better treatment adherence among patients. These are encouraging signs. It shows that more individuals are taking proactive steps to manage their health, like testing regularly and staying consistent with treatment.

Q2. The report highlights that 1 in 4 individuals with high blood sugar also show thyroid abnormalities, and nearly half have some form of kidney impairment. How do these findings underline the need for a more integrated approach to managing diabetes?

These findings reaffirm that diabetes rarely exists in isolation. It often coexists with or accelerates other health issues. This calls for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to care. Regular full-body checkups, along with eye, dental, and foot screenings, are essential for early detection and prevention of complications. As a healthcare platform, we publish these insights to raise awareness of the interconnected nature of chronic conditions and the importance of comprehensive, preventive care.

Q3. PharmEasy’s analysis shows 90% of people with high blood sugar also have deranged lipid profiles. How important is it for individuals with diabetes to undergo regular cardiac and lipid screenings?

It’s absolutely critical. Diabetes and metabolic disturbances like high cholesterol often go hand in hand, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is crucial for people with high blood sugar to undergo regular cardiac and lipid checkups. Timely management through medication, diet, or lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Beyond clinical care, what truly matters is awareness and consistency. As a healthcare platform, we aim to make these preventive checks more accessible and to empower individuals to take charge of their health before complications arise.

Q4. The data shows that 22% of individuals who retested within six months returned to normal sugar levels. What role do regular monitoring and early intervention play in achieving such positive outcomes?

Regular monitoring and early intervention are foundational to diabetes control. When individuals are aware of their blood sugar trends, they can make informed choices - adjust their diet, activity levels, or medication as needed. The fact that 22% of those who retested showed improvement validates the power of consistent monitoring. It reinforces our belief that accessible testing and timely insights can make a measurable difference in the management of chronic conditions.

Q5. With regional variations showing Puducherry, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu among the states with the highest prevalence of high blood sugar, what local or lifestyle factors could be contributing to these differences?

It is well established that lifestyle and dietary factors play a significant role in metabolic disorders like diabetes. Regional differences, such as higher consumption of refined carbohydrates, sedentary lifestyle, urbanisation, and rising obesity rates, could be key contributors in certain states. However, the regional variations represented by our lab data may also reflect differences in testing and health-seeking behaviour, so it would be unfair to draw firm conclusions about specific regions based solely on this dataset.

Q6. How can PharmEasy leverage its reach and services to drive greater awareness and encourage preventive screenings for early detection of diabetes?

India is often called the "Diabetes capital of the world". At PharmEasy, we want to help change that narrative - one test, one healthy choice at a time. Our goal is to make preventive testing simple, accessible, and affordable for every Indian. Beyond testing, we raise awareness through informative blogs and expert-led videos, helping people understand diabetes better and take early action. Our larger vision is to enable early diagnosis, better disease management, and ultimately, a healthier India.

Q7. PharmEasy’s data shows rising blood sugar levels even among people under 30, with a sharp increase after 60. What do these age-related findings suggest about changing lifestyle patterns and the importance of early screening?

India’s diabetes prevalence of 11.4% is higher than the global average of 10.1%. Our latest Diabetes Report reveals trends that are truly concerning and demand action. The data clearly shows that sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are driving the risk of high blood sugar at increasingly younger ages. This reinforces the importance of a healthy lifestyle and preventive screening from an early age. Early detection not only enables better management but can also help prevent serious complications associated with diabetes later in life.

Q8. The data also indicates that men show higher insulin resistance than women. What factors could be driving this difference, and how can both genders proactively manage their diabetes risk?

I’m not an expert to comment on biological differences, but the message is clear: healthy lifestyle choices matter for everyone. Regardless of gender, maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and being vigilant about early warning signs are crucial in diabetes management. Taking a proactive, preventive approach across all age groups and genders can play a significant role in slowing the rising trend of diabetes in our country.

Q9. As digital health platforms like PharmEasy collect valuable health insights, how can this data be used responsibly to inform public health interventions and awareness campaigns?

Digital healthcare platforms like ours generate valuable health data that can play a crucial role in shaping public health strategies when used responsibly. By aggregating and analyzing trends across large populations, such as rising cases of diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or seasonal infections, this data can help identify emerging health patterns early.

These insights can then be used in targeted awareness campaigns, encourage preventive testing, and support policymakers in addressing community-level health gaps. 

Q10. What is PharmEasy’s broader vision in contributing to India’s efforts to combat the growing diabetes epidemic?

PharmEasy’s vision is to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for every Indian. We’re building an ecosystem that supports people at every step, from early detection to ongoing management. Whether it’s booking lab tests for regular monitoring, getting medicines delivered for treatment adherence, or consulting doctors online for personalised guidance, we aim to make diabetes care simple and seamless.

Our goal is to equip every individual with the right care, knowledge, and support to manage diabetes better and help India move towards a healthier future.