Global diabetes rates have more than doubled over the past 30 years, with over 800 million people now living with the condition, a recent study reveals. This surge has been driven by a combination of poor dietary habits, rising obesity rates, and an aging global population. Despite the alarming increase in cases, more than half of those affected are not receiving proper treatment, exacerbating the crisis.
According to the Lancet study, diabetes rates among adults have climbed from around 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022. This marks an increase of over 630 million people living with diabetes, totaling 828 million adults globally. The study found India to be the country with the highest proportion of diabetes cases, accounting for more than a quarter of the global total, with a diabetes rate exceeding 20%. The UK’s rate stands at 8.8%, trailing only the US at 12.5% among G7 nations.
The Drivers Behind the Diabetes Epidemic
The sharp rise in diabetes cases can largely be attributed to the global obesity epidemic. The World Obesity Federation reports nearly one billion adults and 159 million children are affected by obesity, which significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, an aging population is contributing to the growing prevalence, as the risk of diabetes increases with age.
But unhealthy lifestyles remain a key factor. In many parts of the world, especially in lower-income countries, unhealthy foods are often more accessible and cheaper than nutritious alternatives. Coupled with this, climate change-related events such as floods and droughts are making it harder to produce healthy food, while rising food costs continue to make healthy living an unaffordable option for many. Moreover, environmental and societal factors make it difficult for some populations to exercise safely.
A Global Health Crisis
Diabetes is primarily categorized into two types: Type 1, an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas produces little to no insulin, and Type 2, a metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin. More than 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2, and unlike Type 1, it is preventable. Risk factors include poor diet, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition.
Treatment for diabetes varies depending on the type. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels, while Type 2 can often be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes insulin. However, access to necessary treatment is a major concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Lancet study highlights that nearly 450 million people with diabetes are not receiving treatment, a staggering increase from 1990. The primary reasons for this are undiagnosed cases and limited access to healthcare services, particularly in LMICs, where economic and logistical barriers make it difficult for individuals to obtain timely care.
Addressing the Crisis
Experts agree that improving access to healthcare, particularly for diagnosis and early intervention, is crucial in tackling the diabetes epidemic. Reducing the cost of diabetes medications, especially in low-income regions, could help millions gain access to necessary treatment. However, a long-term solution will require broader systemic changes.
Public health experts emphasize the need for global efforts to combat the obesity crisis, which is inextricably linked to the rise in diabetes cases. Interventions should focus on prevention, reducing the marketing of unhealthy foods—especially to children—and encouraging healthier dietary habits from an early age. Research has also shown that reducing sugar intake during pregnancy and infancy can help protect children against developing diabetes and high blood pressure in adulthood.
Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Forum, calls for comprehensive public health policies to tackle the root causes of diabetes. “Countries need to take a systematic approach, focusing on prevention, limiting exposure to unhealthy food marketing, and addressing the environmental and social factors that contribute to poor health,” she says.
As the global diabetes epidemic continues to grow, the need for coordinated action has never been more urgent. Only through sustained efforts to improve access to healthcare, promote healthier lifestyles, and tackle the underlying causes of the disease can we hope to reverse the troubling trend.
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