Prevalence of Diabetes Among Women: Global & India Insights
Diabetes affects millions worldwide—women are both uniquely impacted and often underdiagnosed. Here’s a detailed overview of prevalence, disparities, and the public health response.
🌍 Global Prevalence in Women
- As of 2022, global age-standardized diabetes prevalence was ~13.9% in women (vs 14.3% in men) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- The IDF’s 2025 Diabetes Atlas reports ~589 million adults aged 20–79 currently have diabetes, equivalent to ~11.1% of adults—1 in 9—with over 40% undiagnosed :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
🇮🇳 Prevalence Among Women in India
- India accounts for ~26% of global diabetes cases—over 212 million people, with similar prevalence between men (~12%) and women (~11.7%) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Among adults under 50: diabetes prevalence is ~6.7% and prediabetes ~5.6%, average onset age ~42.5 years (NFHS‑4 data) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- For women aged 35–49, prevalence rises with age: approx. 6.5% at age 35, 16.1% by age 49 (NFHS‑4, 2015‑16) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
👩 Why Women Face Different Risks
Women are often diagnosed later and may suffer worse outcomes:
- Gestational diabetes increases future risk of type 2 diabetes up to eightfold :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Menopause-associated fat redistribution (visceral fat) sharply increases diabetes risk—visceral fat raises risk in women ~7× per kg :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- HbA1c test may under-diagnose younger women due to naturally lower levels; more sensitive tests like OGTT and waist circumference metrics are recommended :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
🔍 Key Trends & Disparities
- Most women with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to diagnosis and care remains limited—over 81% of cases globally :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Up to 40% of adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- In India, nearly 1 million deaths annually are attributed to diabetes; the growing burden reflects rapid urbanization, lifestyle change, and genetic vulnerability :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
📊 Summary Table
| Region / Group | Estimated Female Prevalence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global (2022) | ~13.9% | Age-standardized prevalence :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} |
| Worldwide Adults (20–79 yrs) | ~11.1% | ~589M adults, >40% undiagnosed :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} |
| India (adults under 50) | ~11.7% | NFHS‑4 data, urban > rural :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} |
| India (age 35–49 women) | 6.5 → 16.1% | Prevalence increases with age :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} |
✅ Conclusion & Takeaway
Diabetes among women is under-recognized and underdiagnosed, particularly in low- and middle-income regions like India. Biological and social differences—from pregnancy and menopause to testing limitations—worsen outcomes. Improved sex-specific screening (e.g. OGTT), earlier detection, and lifestyle interventions are urgently needed.