India tops global diabetes charts with 90 million adults affected in 2024, second only to China’s 148 million, as per the latest IDF Diabetes Atlas in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology—projecting a worldwide surge to 853 million by 2050. The eleventh edition, from IDF Belgium, India Diabetes Research Foundation, and Dr. A. Ramachandran’s Chennai hospital, analyzed 246 studies across 215 countries from 2005-2024. One in nine adults (589 million aged 20-79) now lives with diabetes, peaking at 25% in the 75-79 age group. Men face higher rates than women, urban dwellers more than rural. China leads (148M), followed by India (90M), US (39M), with Pakistan eyeing third spot by 2050.Low- and middle-income countries bear 80.64% of cases, poised for 95% of future rises due to population growth, ageing, and urbanization. Middle-income nations show highest prevalence (11.46%), then high-income (10.21%) and low-income (7.47%), as reported by NDTV. Experts urge robust data collection in resource-poor areas and tailored strategies to curb the unchecked epidemic since 2000. “Stronger efforts are needed to slow progression across countries and groups,” they warn, emphasizing prevention amid escalating burdens.