A Growing Danger: 800 Million People with Diabetes
A new international study has revealed that the number of people with diabetes has doubled over the past 30 years, reaching over 800 million people globally.
The results of the analysis, published in The Lancet, showed that diabetes rates among adults increased from 7% to approximately 14% between 1990 and 2022, with a more significant rise in low- and middle-income countries.
This study represents the first global analysis of diabetes prevalence and treatment across all countries. Scientists from the “Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration,” in partnership with the World Health Organization, relied on data from over 140 million individuals across 1,000 studies.
The researchers used statistical tools to compare prevalence and treatment rates between countries.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use it.
Untreated diabetes can lead to damage to various body systems, particularly the nerves and blood vessels.
The disease is categorized into two main types:
- Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder.
- Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 95% of cases and can be prevented through maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and avoiding unhealthy foods.
The study also revealed that over half of global diabetes cases are concentrated in four countries:
- India (212 million),
- China (148 million),
- The United States (42 million),
- Pakistan (36 million).
Additionally, researchers found that diabetes rates in some regions, such as the Pacific Islands, the Middle East, and North Africa, exceed 25% of the population.
Dr. Ranjit Mohan Anjana, from the “Madras Diabetes Research Foundation” in India, emphasized the importance of prevention through a healthy diet and physical activity, particularly in impoverished areas.
He also warned about the lack of treatment in many countries, which puts millions of people at risk of severe health complications.
