Age Gradients of Metabolic and Genetic Risk Factors and Their Impact on Diabetes and Hypertension in Indian Adults: Evidence from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

Aditi Chakraborty, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Suryakant Yadav, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

This study examines the age patterns of metabolic and genetic risk factors and their association with diabetes and hypertension in Indian adults, using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 (2017-2018), with a sample of 60,643 individuals aged 45 and above. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of metabolic factors such as body mass index (BMI), physical activity, sleep problems, and genetic factors like family history of diabetes/hypertension and sex on the likelihood of these conditions across age groups. Results show that higher BMI is significantly associated with increased risks of diabetes and hypertension, with these risks becoming more pronounced in older age groups. Obese individuals over the age of 80 have over a 20% probability of developing diabetes and a 50% probability of hypertension. Physical inactivity, sleep disturbances, family history, and gender differences also significantly influence the likelihood of these conditions, with women more prone to hypertension and men to diabetes. The study underscores the need for early interventions targeting modifiable risk factors and highlights the importance of routine screening, particularly in older adults, to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India’s aging population.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Population Ageing, Mortality and Longevity, Biodemography and genetics

See extended abstract.