Analyzing Gender Differences in the Changing Trends of Diabetes and Modifiable Risk Factors in India

Shubham Ranjan, GLA University Mathura
Ramna Thakur, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi
Tarsem Kasnia, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi
Prateek Singh, Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi

Diabetes significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in India, projected to rise from 75 million cases in 2021 to 134 million by 2045. Research underscores gender as a crucial factor, necessitating gender-specific studies for effective prevention. This study used repeated cross-sectional data from NFHS-3 (2006), NFHS-4 (2016), and NFHS-5 (2021). Multivariate logistic and negative binomial regressions examined gender-wise associations between diabetes and modifiable risk factors (MRFs) across various socio-economic and demographic groups. From 2006 to 2016, diabetes was more prevalent in women, but men saw a higher increase from 2016 to 2021. While exposure to most MRFs decreased, less diet diversity among women notably rose between 2016 and 2021. Older age, lower education, and poorer wealth were significantly associated with diabetes and MRFs. Higher MRF exposure was noted among diabetic women in 2016 and 2021, and diabetic men in 2021. Men consistently showed higher average MRF exposure. Education and wealth were generally protective against MRFs. Shifting diabetes trends between genders highlight the need for tailored interventions. Despite some decreases in MRFs, rising diet homogeneity among women needs attention. Socio-economic factors influence MRFs, necessitating gender-specific strategies for effective diabetes prevention and management in India.

Keywords: Longitudinal studies , Health and Morbidity, Econometrics , Gender Dynamics

See paper.