Zerodha co-founder and CEO Nithin Kamath took to the social platform X (formerly Twitter) on 15 May 2025 to draw attention to a worrying trend. He referenced a recent earnings call from an unnamed beverage maker, revealing that “Indians are consuming more soft drinks than ever.”
Kamath linked this surge to a much bigger health problem. “Remember, India is at the epicentre of the global diabetes epidemic,” he warned.
This is not the first time Kamath has sounded the alarm. In November last year, he described diabetes as “a ticking time bomb for India,” signalling how the disease has become a widespread and growing challenge.
India’s diabetes crisis: Numbers that demand attention
According to Kamath, India now has the highest number of people living with diabetes in the world — a staggering 21 crore (210 million). “There was a time when people used to call diabetes a rich person’s disease. But that’s no longer the case,” he noted.
The rate at which diabetes is affecting younger generations is especially alarming. Kamath highlighted:
“If you’re a 20-year-old woman living in a city today, you have a 64.6% chance of developing diabetes during your lifetime. For young men, it’s 55.5%.”
This paints a grim picture of the health outlook for millions of urban youths, many of whom may not realise the risk they carry.
A hidden epidemic
Kamath stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that nearly 27.5% of those with diabetes don’t even know they have it. For those diagnosed, very few seek or receive adequate treatment.
Compounding this crisis is India’s low health insurance coverage. Kamath explained:
“Less than 20% of Indians have health insurance. Most end up paying out of pocket, which is a huge burden for poor and low-income households.”
This creates a financial strain on families already struggling, pushing many to neglect or delay treatment.
No Quick Fix: A call for multi-pronged action
Kamath is clear that solving this health emergency will take more than one solution. He said:
“We need multiple approaches—from public awareness campaigns and insurance coverage for the poor and vulnerable, to introducing early detection programmes.”
Small lifestyle changes can also make a significant impact. Kamath advised:
“Adding a few extra minutes of exercise each day or reducing time spent sitting can make a big difference. Even walking or cycling for an extra five minutes a day lowers diabetes risk.”
Zerodha supports startups working to improve health outcomes, but Kamath called for a wider effort:
“This is a challenge that needs all people involved—from individuals to the government—to take action.”
His words underline the urgency for society at large to wake up to this health crisis, which is quietly growing with every sip of sugary drink and every missed health check.
Kamath linked this surge to a much bigger health problem. “Remember, India is at the epicentre of the global diabetes epidemic,” he warned.
Here's something worrying from a recent earnings call of a beverage maker: Indian's are consuming more soft drinks than ever. Even Indian companies have said something similar. Remember, India is at the epicentre of the global diabetes epidemic. https://t.co/aWF8qKASsm
— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) May 15, 2025
This is not the first time Kamath has sounded the alarm. In November last year, he described diabetes as “a ticking time bomb for India,” signalling how the disease has become a widespread and growing challenge.
Diabetes is a ticking time bomb for India. We have the largest number of people with diabetes in the world.
— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) November 21, 2024
There was a time when people used to call diabetes a rich person's disease. But that's no longer the case. According to a recent study, 21 crore Indians are living with… pic.twitter.com/40585x7ken
India’s diabetes crisis: Numbers that demand attention
According to Kamath, India now has the highest number of people living with diabetes in the world — a staggering 21 crore (210 million). “There was a time when people used to call diabetes a rich person’s disease. But that’s no longer the case,” he noted.
The rate at which diabetes is affecting younger generations is especially alarming. Kamath highlighted:
“If you’re a 20-year-old woman living in a city today, you have a 64.6% chance of developing diabetes during your lifetime. For young men, it’s 55.5%.”
This paints a grim picture of the health outlook for millions of urban youths, many of whom may not realise the risk they carry.
A hidden epidemic
Kamath stressed the seriousness of the situation, noting that nearly 27.5% of those with diabetes don’t even know they have it. For those diagnosed, very few seek or receive adequate treatment.
Compounding this crisis is India’s low health insurance coverage. Kamath explained:
“Less than 20% of Indians have health insurance. Most end up paying out of pocket, which is a huge burden for poor and low-income households.”
This creates a financial strain on families already struggling, pushing many to neglect or delay treatment.
No Quick Fix: A call for multi-pronged action
Kamath is clear that solving this health emergency will take more than one solution. He said:
“We need multiple approaches—from public awareness campaigns and insurance coverage for the poor and vulnerable, to introducing early detection programmes.”
Small lifestyle changes can also make a significant impact. Kamath advised:
“Adding a few extra minutes of exercise each day or reducing time spent sitting can make a big difference. Even walking or cycling for an extra five minutes a day lowers diabetes risk.”
Zerodha supports startups working to improve health outcomes, but Kamath called for a wider effort:
“This is a challenge that needs all people involved—from individuals to the government—to take action.”
His words underline the urgency for society at large to wake up to this health crisis, which is quietly growing with every sip of sugary drink and every missed health check.
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