Global Diabetes Cases Double to Over 800 Million in 30 Years

A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet reveals that the global rate of diabetes has doubled over the past three decades, now affecting over 800 million adults worldwide, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the study analyzed data from more than 140 million individuals aged 18 and older across over 1,000 studies.

The prevalence of diabetes among adults increased from approximately 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022. This surge is largely attributed to lifestyle changes, rising obesity rates, and health inequalities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Notably, India has the highest diabetes population, with around 212 million cases, followed by China with 148 million, and significant numbers in the U.S., Pakistan, Indonesia, and Brazil.

The study distinguishes between type-1 and type-2 diabetes, with over 95% of cases being type-2, a preventable condition linked to obesity and poor diet. The rising diabetes rates present significant public health challenges, especially in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.