Global diabetes rates surpass 800 million, highlighting widening inequalities

A global study published in The Lancet ahead of World Diabetes Day reveals that over 828 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2022—a fourfold increase since 1990. Notably, 445 million adults aged 30 and older, or 59%, did not receive treatment, with most of these untreated cases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The study, led by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and the WHO, highlights alarming disparities. Diabetes rates doubled globally from 1990 to 2022, with men increasing from 6.8% to 14.3% and women from 6.9% to 13.9%. LMICs experienced the sharpest rises, with Pakistan's female diabetes rate soaring from 9% to 30.9%. By contrast, many high-income countries saw stable or declining rates.

Treatment gaps have widened dramatically. For instance, in some sub-Saharan African nations, over 90% of people with diabetes remained untreated. India alone accounted for 133 million untreated cases, far exceeding China's 78 million, despite China's higher treatment coverage.

Experts urge immediate action to address these inequalities. Solutions include increasing diabetes screening, promoting healthy diets, and improving access to medications. Innovations like workplace health programs and extended clinic hours could boost diagnosis rates in LMICs.

This study underscores the critical need for coordinated global strategies to combat diabetes and improve treatment access.