Over 800 Million Affected: Global Diabetes Rates Double – Understanding the Epidemic and Its Impact

Over 800 Million Affected: Global Diabetes Rates Double – Understanding the Epidemic and Its Impact

November 17, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Health

Global Diabetes Rates Have Doubled: Key Facts

By 2022, the number of adults with diabetes worldwide reached 800 million. This is double the number reported in 1990. The Lancet reports that about 445 million adults are living with untreated diabetes.

Diabetes Prevalence

India has the highest number of diabetic adults, with over 212 million cases. China follows with 148 million. Other countries with significant diabetes rates include the United States, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Brazil. The majority of these cases are attributed to type 2 diabetes.

Healthcare Inequalities

Professor Majid Ezzati from Imperial College London notes that treatment rates for diabetes are stagnating in low- and middle-income countries. Many individuals in these regions are younger and face serious health risks due to a lack of effective treatment, which can lead to complications like amputations and heart disease.

Growth of Diabetes

From 1990 to 2022, the overall diabetes rates among men and women doubled, from 6.8% to 14.3% for men and from 6.9% to 13.9% for women. This means that nearly 828 million adults were affected in 2022, up from 198 million in 1990.

Global Disparities

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experienced the most significant increase in diabetes rates, while some high-income countries like Japan and Canada saw little change. In 2022, diabetes prevalence was notably high in several regions, including the Pacific islands, the Caribbean, and parts of the Middle East and North Africa, while Western Europe and Canada reported lower rates.

Addressing the Issue

Dr. Ranjit Mohan Anjana from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation emphasizes the need for better diet, exercise, and health policies, especially in underdeveloped areas. As of 2022, three out of five adults with diabetes did not receive adequate treatment.

Treatment Coverage Gaps

Treatment coverage for diabetes in many LMICs remains inadequate. In 1990, over 90% of individuals were untreated, and this number has not improved significantly. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 5-10% of adults with diabetes received treatment in 2022.

This study highlights the urgent need for increased focus on diabetes treatment and prevention strategies globally. The findings were published in The Lancet.