A new international study has revealed that over 800 million adults globally are now living with diabetes, nearly double the number of previous estimates.
Published in The Lancet, the groundbreaking research indicates that the prevalence of diabetes rates, among adults has surged from 7% in 1990 to around 14% in 2022. This rise is particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare access and treatment options remain limited.
The global study, conducted by the NCD-RisC in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is the first of its kind to analyze diabetes rates and treatment across all countries. Using data from over 140 million individuals aged 18 and older from more than 1,000 studies worldwide, the researchers have provided an unprecedented view of how diabetes is impacting different regions. The findings underscore growing health disparities, with some countries seeing alarming rates of undiagnosed and untreated cases, while others benefit from significant improvements in treatment access.
Key Findings and Global Impact
The study reveals a stark contrast in diabetes prevalence by region, with certain countries bearing a disproportionately high number of cases. In 2022, over a quarter of global diabetes cases were concentrated in just four countries:
- 212 million in India
- 148 million in China
- 42 million in the United States
- 36 million in Pakistan
Other countries such as Indonesia and Brazil also saw significant numbers, contributing an additional 47 million cases. In parts of the Pacific islands, Caribbean, Middle East, and North Africa, more than 25% of both male and female populations were living with diabetes. By contrast, countries like France, Denmark, Spain, and Sweden had significantly lower rates, with figures ranging from 2-4% for women and 3-5% for men.
The rise in global diabetes cases is closely tied to the increasing rates of obesity and an aging global population. These factors, combined with poor diets and sedentary lifestyles, are contributing to the growing number of individuals at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Ranjit Mohan Anjana, the president of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, emphasized the importance of preventative measures such as promoting healthier diets and exercise. “Preventing diabetes through healthy diet and exercise is essential for better health throughout the world,” he stated.
The study further highlights a concerning lack of treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the availability of effective, off-patent glucose-lowering medications, treatment rates remain stagnant in these regions, exacerbating health disparities. According to the study, over half of adults with diabetes, 445 million people aged 30 and older, did not receive treatment in 2022.
Treatment Gap
While high-income countries have made significant strides in diabetes care, with more than 55% of adult diabetics receiving treatment in 2022, low-income nations are struggling to provide basic care.
Prof. Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London, a senior author of the study, warned that the absence of effective treatment in many low-income countries is particularly concerning, as younger individuals are being diagnosed with diabetes and facing severe, long-term health complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and amputation.
The WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, echoed these concerns, calling for urgent action to tackle the diabetes epidemic. “We have seen an alarming rise in diabetes over the past three decades, which reflects the increase in obesity, compounded by the impacts of the marketing of unhealthy food, a lack of physical activity, and economic hardship,” he said. Dr. Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for policies that promote healthy diets and physical activity, alongside robust healthcare systems that prioritize prevention, early detection, and treatment.
With diabetes now reaching pandemic proportions, the need for a coordinated global response has never been clearer. Chantal Mathieu, president of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, stressed the importance of adopting preventive strategies, expanding access to screening, and improving long-term management for those affected. “Diabetes poses a profound threat to public health and economies alike,” she warned.
Question Of The Day: What do you think is the most effective way to combat the rising global diabetes epidemic? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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