Young and diabetic

Twenty-two percent of Kathmanduites over 30 reportedly have diabetes—an alarming statistic.

In December 2024 and January 2025, Kathmandu Metropolitan City conducted a health screening of more than 26,000 people to assess their blood sugar levels, hypertension, behavioural risk factors and renal function. What was reportedly a “ random” blood sugar test for 19,660 people however revealed an alarming situation: 22 percent of Kathmanduites over 30 had high blood sugar, according to the preliminary report of the screening. The figure is nearly three times the estimated national average of 8 percent. Even more concerning is the fact that diabetes among the young population is rising, yet many are unaware of it.