The global diabetes crisis is escalating,with millions worldwide unaware they have the disease. This article dives into the alarming data from the latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF) report, revealing the current prevalence, the projected future impact of diabetes, and the urgent need for global action to address this critical health concern. Discover key insights and understand why early detection and prevention are vital for combating the devastating effects of this global health challenge, including the rising financial burden of diabetes.
Global Diabetes Crisis: Unseen Threat Affects Millions
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Bangkok, Thailand – The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has released alarming new data revealing the escalating global diabetes crisis. Almost one in nine adults worldwide are currently living with the disease,and a significant portion remain undiagnosed,increasing their risk of severe health complications and premature death.
key Findings From the IDF Diabetes Atlas
The 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas presents a stark picture of the current state and future trajectory of diabetes worldwide.
- Global Prevalence: 589 million adults (ages 20-79) are living with diabetes [[2]]. This number exceeds the combined populations of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- Projected Increase: The number of adults with diabetes is expected to reach 853 million by 2050.
- Economic Impact: Global health expenditure related to diabetes is projected to reach $1.054 trillion by 2045 [[1]], and already surpassed $1 trillion in 2024 [[2]].
- Disproportionate Impact: Three out of four adults with diabetes reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Mortality: diabetes is responsible for over 3.4 million deaths annually.
- Risk Factors: One in eight adults has a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 Diabetes: 1.8 million children and young adults under the age of 20 are living with type 1 diabetes.
The Silent Epidemic: Millions Unaware
A staggering 252 million people are unaware they have diabetes, leaving them vulnerable to severe complications. Early diagnosis is crucial, as for many, the diagnosis is only made if you already have one or more of the associated complications and have given the chance to prevent or delay their occurrence.
Expert perspectives on the Diabetes Crisis
The IDF Diabetes Atlas provides critical insights into the global impact of diabetes, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
The new data provide meaningful evidence that should stimulate action and promote initiatives to improve the lives of many millions that today with diabetes life and more people. Risk operating.
Professor Dianna Magliano, IDF Committee for the Diabetes Atlas
Professor Edward Boyko further emphasizes the need for proactive measures:
To counteract the increasing trend, a stronger consciousness, concentration on prevention and continuous monitoring of diabetes prevalence is required to enable precisely observation of the global effects of diabetes.
Professor Edward Boyko, IDF Committee for the Diabetes Atlas
The High Cost of Uncontrolled Diabetes
Diabetes is linked to severe health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. People with type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all diabetes cases, face an 84% higher risk of heart failure compared to those without the disease.
Urgent Call for Global Action
The International Diabetes Federation is urging governments to invest in healthcare programs, particularly in regions where diabetes often goes undiagnosed. Early detection and intervention are essential to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes and its associated complications.
Professor Peter schwarz, president of the IDF, stresses the need for a complete approach:
The results underline the urgent need to take more energetic measures to combat diabetes at national and global level. since more than 4 out of 10 people with diabetes are not yet diagnosed,the governments of early detection,early diagnosis and the education have to be given priority. Diabetes requires cross-sector and specialist cooperation.
Professor Peter Schwarz, President of the IDF
WHO’s Global Diabetes Compact
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also addressing the global diabetes challenge through the Global Diabetes Compact. In May 2022, the World Health Assembly endorsed five global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030 [[3]].
About the International Diabetes Federation
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization comprising over 240 national diabetes associations in more than 160 countries and areas. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and prevent diabetes in at-risk populations.
The IDF Diabetes Atlas, first published in 2000, is a leading source of facts on the global impact of diabetes. It provides statistics on diabetes prevalence, mortality, and health expenditure at global, regional, and national levels.
For more information and detailed findings, visit the IDF Diabetes Atlas: https://diabetesatlas.org/.
