Global diabetes cases double in 30 years, impacting over 800 million people worldwide

A recent major study published in The Lancet shows that global adult diabetes cases have doubled over the past 30 years, affecting more than 800 million people worldwide. This research is the first global comprehensive analysis of diabetes rates and treatments. It reveals a sharp increase in diabetes prevalence, especially in low- and middle-income regions.

Scientists from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted this study. They analysed data from more than 140 million adults aged 18 and older, gathered from over 1,000 studies worldwide.

The findings indicate that adult diabetes rates increased from approximately seven per cent in 1990 to 14 per cent in 2022. Experts attribute this rise primarily to lifestyle changes, higher obesity rates, and pervasive health inequalities.

Widening global health disparities

The study also highlights widening global health disparities. Researchers found that over half of all diabetes cases are concentrated in just six countries.

India currently has the largest number of people with diabetes, representing more than a quarter of global cases—around 212 million individuals.

China ranks second with 148 million cases, followed by the United States (42 million cases) and Pakistan (36 million). Together, Indonesia and Brazil add another 47 million cases.

In some regions, such as the Pacific islands, Caribbean, Middle East, and North Africa, diabetes affects over 25 per cent of men and women. Among high-income Western nations, the United States (12.5 per cent) and the United Kingdom (8.8 per cent) have the highest diabetes rates.

In contrast, in countries like France, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden, diabetes rates among women were as low as two to four per cent in 2022. For men, rates in Denmark, France, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Spain, and Rwanda were also low, between three and five per cent.

While many higher-income nations have improved diabetes treatment rates, with over 55 per cent of adults receiving care in 2022, progress has lagged in many low- and middle-income countries. As a result, more than half of adults aged 30 and over with diabetes—445 million people (59 per cent)—were not receiving treatment in 2022.

As per the study, Type-1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition where the body destroys insulin-producing cells, is less prevalent. In contrast, type-2 diabetes, a preventable metabolic disorder that hinders the body’s ability to use insulin, is the diagnosis for more than 95 per cent of diabetes cases.

Although genetics influence type-2 diabetes risk, other key factors include obesity, unhealthy diets, and insufficient physical activity.

(With inputs from agencies)