India, like the rest of the world, is experiencing an epidemic of diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by dangerous levels of sugar in the blood that cause cardiovascular and kidney disease, which lower life expectancy. The prevalence of diabetes (the proportion of the population with diabetes) has been increasing steadily in India over recent decades, particularly in urban areas.

In India, thirty-five million people have diabetes—a number expected to more than double by 2025, disproportionately affecting working-age people. The economic impact of this increase could be devastating to India’s emerging economy. In this paper we discuss drivers of the epidemic, analyze current policies and practices in India, and conclude with recommendations, focusing on multisectoral and international collaboration. We see these recommendations as providing a blueprint for addressing diabetes in India by illuminating opportunities and barriers for policymakers and others.