Preventive Health Checkup: Nearly one in 20 adults suffers from both diabetes and high blood pressure, or hypertension. The prevalence of both diseases together is increasing.

Delhi NCR Health Survey

Delhi NCR Max Healthcare Study Report: Nearly one in 20 adults in Delhi-NCR suffers from both diabetes and high blood pressure, or hypertension. A new study has revealed that the two diseases are occurring together more often than would be expected if they existed separately. The study analyzed the health records of more than 56,000 people.

The study was conducted by the Clinical Research and Preventive Health Programs department at Max Healthcare. Health records were collected between January 2021 and December 2024 at select Max Healthcare network hospitals in Delhi-NCR, including Max Hospital Saket, BLK-Max Hospital, Max Hospital Vaishali, Max Multi-Speciality Centre Panchsheel Park, Max Hospital Noida , and Max Hospital Dwarka.

The risk increases sharply after the age of 40

According to the study, the co-occurrence of diabetes and hypertension begins to rise rapidly after the age of 40. This rate continues to rise until about age 58, and then gradually stabilizes. By the age of 70, approximately 17 percent of the study participants had both diseases.

The report also revealed a strong link between the two diseases. People with diabetes were nearly four times more likely to develop hypertension than those without diabetes. People with high blood pressure were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop diabetes than those without hypertension.

People take it lightly

According to Dr. Romal Tikku, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare, this problem isn't limited to Delhi. He said it's prevalent throughout Asia, especially South Asia. Genetic factors, along with changing lifestyles, play a significant role. He explained that he sees patients from young to elderly patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension every day. The biggest problem is that people don't take these diseases seriously. Even educated and financially well-off individuals often avoid regular checkups or taking medications as prescribed by a doctor.

Misinformation spread on social media is also contributing to the problem. Claims of quick cures for diabetes and hypertension, fad diets, and advice from social media influencers lead many people to adopt unethical practices. Citing the example of weight loss medications like Ozempic, Dr. Tikku said many people are using them unnecessarily, while those who truly need treatment are not taking them.

Obesity also increases the risk

Rising obesity rates in the country are further exacerbating this concern. A recent ICMR-INDIAB study estimates that over 250 million people in India are affected by general obesity, while over 350 million people have abdominal obesity, a condition characterized by increased fat around the stomach.

Dr. Tikku warned that diabetes and hypertension, if left untreated, can affect many organs over time. It's important to manage these diseases with appropriate medications and lifestyle changes. According to him, poor diabetes control can lead to complications like fatty liver and high blood pressure. Smoking and alcohol consumption further increase the risk. Both of these diseases can also impact heart and kidney function. Therefore, it's not enough to simply diagnose the condition; it's also crucial to maintain regular management.

Why is it necessary to test both together?

The burden of diabetes and hypertension is rapidly increasing worldwide. According to a Lancet analysis published in 2021, the number of people with hypertension aged 30 to 79 increased to 1.28 billion between 1990 and 2019. Another analysis from 2024 estimated that 828 million adults worldwide would be living with diabetes in 2022.

This study from Delhi-NCR suggests that preventive health checkups, especially for people over 40, need to be revised. Instead of screening for diabetes and hypertension separately, blood sugar and blood pressure should be tested simultaneously. This can lead to early detection of both diseases and timely treatment.