Over 800 million adults globally suffer from diabetes, nearly double the previous estimates, with more than half of those aged over 30 not receiving treatment, according to a new study. This alarming finding highlights the growing burden of the chronic metabolic disease, which can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the heart, blood vessels, nerves, and other organs if left untreated.
The study, published in The Lancet, found that as of 2022, approximately 828 million people aged 18 and older had either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Among those aged 30 years and older, a staggering 59%—or 445 million people—were not receiving the necessary treatment.
Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated around 422 million cases of diabetes globally. However, this new analysis shows that the global diabetes rate has doubled since 1990, increasing from approximately 7% to 14%. This rise has been driven particularly by cases in low- and middle-income countries, where the treatment gap remains wide.
While higher-income countries have seen improvements in treatment access, regions such as sub-Saharan Africa are struggling with minimal treatment rates. In parts of Africa, only 5%-10% of people with diabetes receive the necessary care. The cost of treatment, including insulin and medication, is a significant barrier, according to Jean Claude Mbanya, a professor at the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon.
The study, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and WHO, is the first global analysis to include both diabetes rates and treatment estimates for all countries. It is based on data from over 1,000 studies involving more than 140 million people worldwide.
The analysis used both fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin tests to define diabetes, ensuring that the rates were accurately captured, especially in regions like South Asia, where relying on fasting glucose alone could miss many cases.
Although the study did not differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, previous research suggests that the majority of adult diabetes cases are type 2, which is often linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
With the rise in diabetes cases and treatment gaps, experts stress the need for greater access to care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to prevent further health complications and reduce the global burden of the disease.
