In 2022, diabetes affected over 800 million adults worldwide. This number quadrupled since 1990, according to The Lancet‘s latest analysis. More than half of these individuals, approximately 445 million, lacked access to treatment. This figure is three and a half times higher than in 1990.
India leads with 212 million adults suffering from diabetes. China follows with 148 million, and the U.S. ranks third with 42 million cases. Other nations like Pakistan, Indonesia, and Brazil also report significant numbers.
TYPE 2 DIABETES DOMINATES
Although the study doesn’t differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, most adult cases are type 2. This form of diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors like obesity and diet.
Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London highlights a worrying trend. “Diabetes rates are surging in low- and middle-income countries,” he states. “Many individuals are younger and face severe complications without treatment.”
These complications include heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss. In severe cases, untreated diabetes can lead to premature death.
STUDY SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
The NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) conducted this comprehensive study. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), they analyzed data from over 140 million adults across 1,000 studies.
Researchers used statistical models to compare diabetes rates and treatments globally. They defined diabetes using two key measures:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) of 7.0 mmol/L or higher.
- Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 6.5% or higher.
Treatment was defined as taking diabetes medication.
FLUCTUATING TRENDS ACROSS REGIONS
Between 1990 and 2022, global diabetes rates doubled. For men, rates rose from 6.8% to 14.3%. Women saw a similar increase, from 6.9% to 13.9%.
Population growth and aging contributed to this surge. These factors added 630 million cases, raising the total to 828 million by 2022.
COUNTRIES WITH LOW AND HIGH DIABETES RATES
In 2022, western Europe and east Africa reported the lowest diabetes rates. In contrast, nations in the Pacific, Caribbean, and the Middle East had the highest rates. The U.S. stands out among high-income countries, with 11.4% of women and 13.6% of men affected.
THE ROLE OF OBESITY AND DIET
Obesity and poor diets drive rising diabetes rates. In regions like the Pacific and western Europe, obesity rates remained relatively stable, resulting in slower diabetes growth. But, in LMICs, obesity and diabetes rates skyrocketed. This trend underscores the need for lifestyle interventions.
STAGNATING TREATMENT RATES IN LMICS
Globally, 59% of adults with diabetes remain untreated. This disparity is most pronounced in low-income countries, where treatment rates are alarmingly low.
For instance, Belgium boasts a treatment rate of 86% for women and 77% for men. In contrast, some sub-Saharan African nations report treatment rates below 10%.
From 1990 to 2022, the gap between countries with the highest and lowest treatment rates widened significantly.
In women, this gap grew from 56 to 78 percentage points. For men, it expanded from 43 to 71 points.
INDIA AND CHINA: A STARK CONTRAST IN TREATMENT
India had 133 million untreated diabetes cases in 2022, nearly a third of the global total. Although China had fewer untreated cases, its treatment rate was higher, at 45% for women and 41% for men.
BARRIERS TO DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Professor Jean Claude Mbanya from the University of Yaoundé highlights diagnostic challenges. “Most untreated cases remain undiagnosed,” he says.
He calls for innovative solutions, like workplace screenings and extended healthcare hours. Integrating diabetes care with other disease programs could also improve detection.
THE PATH FORWARD: URGENT ACTION NEEDED
The global diabetes crisis demands immediate attention. Governments must implement policies promoting healthier lifestyles and improving healthcare access.
From subsidizing healthy foods to creating safe exercise spaces, these measures could significantly reduce diabetes rates and improve outcomes.
Without action, millions will face severe complications or premature death. The time to act is now.
