The number of diabetics in India doubled to 63 million in 2013 from 32 million in 2000, according to the World Health Organisation. This is projected to increase to 101.2 million in the next 15 years.

In 2015, around 75,900 males and 51,700 females in the age group of 30 to 69 years and 46,800 males and 45,600 females above 70 years of age died in India from diabetes, the UN agency said. These figures may not be accurate because of the lack of national monitoring, the WHO added.

Although fewer people die from diabetes than from cancer and cardiac disorders, those affected by the disease spend a lot on medication. The annual expenditure on treating diabetes in India is estimated at Rs 1.5 lakh crore. This is nearly five times the Centre's Rs 32,000-crore allocation on health and three-fourth of the budgeted service tax collections this fiscal. This sum is expected to rise annually by 20% to 30%.

The government is trying to tackle non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular issues, by taking steps towards prevention, early detection, infrastructure development and human resources. WHO has recommended that the Centre regulate the marketing of food to children and focus on accurate labeling so consumers know what they are adding to their diet. , WHO has adopted diabetes as its theme for World Health Day on April 7.