Socioeconomic, demographic and anthropometric predictors and geographic variation of screen-detected hyperglycaemia among women in India

Diabetes remains widely undiagnosed globally and in India, limiting early detection and prevention. Evidence on undetected hyperglycaemia among women of reproductive age is limited. Therefore, we calculated prevalence and distribution of screen-detected hyperglycaemia in this population in India. The present study analysed cross-sectional data from 688,349 women aged 15–49 years from the National Family Health Survey (2019–21). Screen-detected hyperglycaemia was defined as non-diagnostic, probable undiagnosed hyperglycaemia (capillary random blood glucose ≥ 140 mg/dL) among women without self-reported or previously diagnosed diabetes. Weighted prevalence was estimated, and associations were examined using multilevel logistic regression models. Nationally, 6.3% of women had screen-detected hyperglycaemia, with variation across states (2.1%–11.4%). Older age and higher adiposity were associated with higher odds, while higher education was associated with lower odds. Differences across residence and socioeconomic characteristics were modest. Contextual variation was limited (0.9% state; 2.8% district). Findings were consistent using a higher threshold (≥ 160 mg/dL). Screen-detected hyperglycaemia among women of reproductive age in India is non-negligible and varies across demographic and anthropometric factors. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening screening and early detection within primary healthcare systems. However, interpretations should be made cautiously given the non-diagnostic and cross-sectional nature of the data.