Pune Survey: 1 in 4 Have Diabetes, 2 in 5 Have Hypertension

A recent state health department survey in Maharashtra, India, has revealed a significant prevalence of both hypertension and diabetes among those screened. The findings, stemming from a campaign conducted throughout February, indicate that nearly one in four individuals examined were found to have diabetes, while two in five had hypertension. This underscores the growing burden of non-communicable diseases within the region, particularly among low-income groups in both urban and rural settings.

Campaign Details and Scope

The National Special Screening Campaign for Non-Communicable Diseases, which formed the basis of this survey, screened a substantial portion of the population. Over 12.5 lakh people were examined for diabetes, with 288,082 positive cases identified. Simultaneously, more than 25.8 lakh individuals underwent screening for high blood pressure, resulting in 10,05,704 diagnoses of hypertension. This was the first mass screening campaign of this scale undertaken by the state health department in such a short timeframe, according to reports. The campaign prioritized reaching individuals in lower socioeconomic brackets across Maharashtra.

Understanding the Diagnoses

The diagnostic thresholds used in the survey aligned with established guidelines. For hypertension, a reading of 140 mmHg or higher for systolic pressure, or 90 mmHg or higher for diastolic pressure, was considered indicative of the condition, consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Diabetes diagnoses were based on standard criteria, including fasting plasma glucose levels exceeding 126 mg/dL, a 2-hour post-glucose load exceeding 200 mg/dL, or an HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher.

Expert Perspectives on Rising Prevalence

Medical professionals attribute the increasing rates of these lifestyle-related diseases to a confluence of factors. Dr. Dattatraya B Patil, a consultant in internal medicine at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, points to rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices as primary drivers. He emphasizes the impact of desk-bound work, coupled with diets high in processed, sugary, and fatty foods, leading to increased obesity and stress levels. Environmental factors, such as air pollution and substance use, too contribute to the risk.

Dr. Rashida Melinkeri, a consultant physician and lipidologist at KEM Hospital, highlights the role of urban air pollution, high-salt diets, ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, sleep deprivation, and chronic stress in the surge of non-communicable diseases. She also notes that certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including those with central obesity, South Asian ancestry, a family history of premature heart disease, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and those on long-term corticosteroids.

Impact on Vision and Overall Health

The rise in hypertension and diabetes is also raising concerns among ophthalmologists. Dr. Sharoon Shitole, a consultant ophthalmologist at Vencer Hospital, explains that both conditions can silently damage the microvascular system long before symptoms appear. The retina provides a direct view of these changes, with increasing detection of hypertensive and early diabetic retinopathy even in individuals in their 30s and 40s, particularly those with sedentary jobs, high digital screen exposure, obesity, and sleep disorders.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle Management

Dietician Pritee Lale, from Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, underscores the link between modern lifestyle changes and the rising incidence of hypertension and diabetes. She points to long working hours, sedentary jobs, processed foods, irregular eating habits, poor sleep, and chronic stress as contributors to metabolic imbalance. Lale emphasizes that managing these conditions requires more than just medication; a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, coupled with reduced salt and sugar intake, is essential. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and routine monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar are also crucial for preventing complications and maintaining overall health.

Treatment and Future Steps

Following diagnosis, treatment has commenced for those identified with hypertension and diabetes. State health minister Prakash Abitkar expressed optimism that the campaign has increased awareness of non-communicable diseases and that early diagnosis will help prevent serious complications. He indicated that future efforts will focus on expanding screening programs to reach an even greater number of citizens.

Dr. Melinkeri stresses the importance of setting tight targets and regular monitoring for blood pressure, glucose, and LDL/apoB levels, alongside adherence to treatment plans, vaccination schedules, and lifestyle modifications, including tobacco and alcohol cessation support. She advocates for early LDL/apoB reduction, weight loss (7-10%), resistance and aerobic training, sleep regularization, and depression care, as well as regular checkups of the eyes, kidneys, feet, and coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening to limit systemic damage.

Public Health Initiatives and National Context

This state-level initiative builds upon broader national efforts to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. In February 2025, the Union Health Ministry launched an Intensified Special NCD Screening Drive aimed at achieving 100% screening coverage for individuals aged 30 years and above for diabetes, hypertension, and three common cancers. This campaign, implemented through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and other healthcare facilities, utilizes door-to-door outreach by trained health workers, ensures the availability of essential medical supplies, and employs real-time monitoring through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) portal.

the Public Health Department in Maharashtra is currently implementing the Arunodaya Sickle Cell Anemia Special Campaign across 21 tribal districts, demonstrating a continued commitment to proactive health screening and intervention.

Looking ahead, continued investment in public health campaigns, coupled with individual lifestyle modifications, will be critical in mitigating the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases and improving the health and well-being of the population.