Thailand Diabetes Crisis: Economic Impact & Rising Cases
The Growing Burden of Diabetes in Thailand: Economic Impact and Rising Cases
Updated September 15, 2025
Economic Strain of Diabetes
Diabetes presents a notable economic challenge for Thailand. In 2024, health-related expenses associated with diabetes reached 136.473 billion Thai baht (approximately 4.1167 billion US dollars). This translates to an average annual cost of 20,574 baht (roughly 647.2 US dollars) per person affected by the disease.
Despite advancements in treatment and care, diabetes remains a leading cause of mortality. While the number of deaths attributable to diabetes among individuals aged 20-79 decreased from 78,846 in 2011 to 34,752 in 2024, diabetes-related deaths still accounted for 8.5% of all deaths within that age group in 2024.
Rising Incidence in Children and Pregnancy
the impact of diabetes extends beyond the adult population.In 2024, 155,434 newborns were affected by hyperglycemia during pregnancy (HIP), and 26.5% of pregnancies were elaborate by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children and adolescents, affects approximately 20,689 people in Thailand as of 2024. Specifically, 4,623 children and teenagers (aged 0-19) are living with Type 1 diabetes.This form of the disease requires lifelong insulin therapy, as the body does not produce insulin naturally, necessitating regular insulin injections to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.