Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, has raised alarm over the escalating diabetes crisis in India,

Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, has raised alarm over the escalating diabetes crisis in India, calling it a "ticking time bomb."

In his latest post on X, Kamath shared a wider picture of this crisis worldwide. Kamath highlighted the severe health risks posed by the condition, especially to younger generations. "Diabetes is a ticking time bomb for India. We have the largest number of people with diabetes in the world. There was a time when people used to call diabetes a rich person's disease. But that's no longer the case. According to a recent study, 21 crore Indians are living with diabetes," Kamath said.

According to recent studies, approximately 21 crore Indians are affected by diabetes, a number that continues to rise rapidly.

"If you're a 20-year-old woman living in a city today, you have a 64.6% chance of developing diabetes during your lifetime," Kamath noted. He further added that young men face a high risk of 55.5%.

A particularly concerning aspect of the diabetes crisis is the lack of awareness among the population. Kamath revealed that 27.5% of people with diabetes are unaware they have the condition. Even among those who are diagnosed, few seek proper treatment, exacerbating the issue.

"Less than 20% of Indians have health insurance," he pointed out, stressing that many individuals are forced to pay for treatment out of pocket, creating significant financial strain, particularly for low-income households.

Kamath advocated for a multi-faceted approach to address the growing diabetes epidemic. He emphasised the need for public awareness campaigns, improved insurance coverage for vulnerable groups, and the introduction of early detection programs.

Highlighting the importance of preventative measures, Kamath also encouraged simple lifestyle changes such as incorporating a few extra minutes of exercise each day and reducing sedentary behaviour. Even small adjustments, like walking or cycling for just five minutes more each day, can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.

While Kamath’s organisation has supported startups focused on improving health outcomes in India, he stressed that the issue requires a collective effort. "This is a systemic challenge that needs all people involved—from individuals to the government—to take action," he concluded.