2024-11-13 23:46:00
The frequency of diabetes has doubled worldwide over the past thirty years, a trend which primarily affects less wealthy countries, shows a study published Wednesday in The Lancet.
Published yesterday at 6:46 p.m.
According to this work, carried out by compiling a large number of studies previously carried out in most countries around the world, diabetes will affect around 14% of adults around the world in 2022, compared to around 7% in 1990.
Taking into account the increase in population, researchers estimate that more than 800 million people have diabetes, compared to less than 200 million in the early 1990s.
These figures include the two main forms of diabetes: type 1, which affects patients from a very young age and is often more difficult to treat, because it is directly caused by an insulin deficiency, and type 2, which affects relatively elderly people due to loss of insulin sensitivity.
Behind these global estimates, the reality is different depending on the country. In rich countries, such as those of Western Europe or Japan, the frequency of diabetes tends to stabilize, or sometimes even decline slightly.
On the other hand, “the weight of diabetes […] is shifting more and more to low- and middle-income countries,” note the researchers.
For example, almost a third of Pakistani women are now diabetic, compared to less than a tenth in 1990.
Researchers particularly emphasize that type 2 diabetes tends to progress in countries where obesity is increasingly common, as is poor diet.
They also emphasize inequalities in treatment. While diabetes is increasing in less wealthy countries, this is not necessarily the case for the share of the population being treated for the disease.
Thus, in sub-Saharan Africa, the authors estimate that only 5% to 10% of adults with diabetes benefit from treatment.
Although some developing countries, such as Mexico, are performing well in treating the population, the general trend is toward “an ever-widening global gap between the prevalence of diabetes and its treatment,” the authors conclude. .
1731574170
#Diabetes #cases #common #world
**Interview on Global Diabetes Trends with Dr. Sarah Collins, Public Health Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Collins. We just learned that the frequency of diabetes has doubled worldwide over the past thirty years. Can you explain what factors have contributed to this alarming trend?
**Dr. Collins:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s crucial to understand that this rise in diabetes rates is multifactorial. Increasing urbanization, shifts in dietary habits—such as the consumption of processed foods—and a more sedentary lifestyle play significant roles. Moreover, we’re also seeing an increased prevalence of obesity, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
**Interviewer:** The recent study noted a stark contrast between diabetes rates in wealthy and less wealthy countries. What do you think is driving this disparity?
**Dr. Collins:** This disparity is largely driven by access to healthcare and resources. In wealthier nations, people often have better access to preventive care, education about lifestyle choices, and early diagnosis. In contrast, lower-income countries may struggle with healthcare access, which leads to late diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, with rapid urbanization, many people in these countries are adopting unhealthy lifestyles that contribute to the rise in diabetes.
**Interviewer:** The statistics are quite striking—800 million people affected by diabetes today compared to less than 200 million in the early 1990s. How do you foresee this trend impacting global health systems in the near future?
**Dr. Collins:** This trend places an enormous burden on health systems, especially in countries that are already facing challenges like limited resources. Managing the long-term complications of diabetes—such as cardiovascular disease and kidney failure—requires significant financial and human resources. If these trends continue, we may see escalating health costs and increased mortality rates, which will further strain public health infrastructures.
**Interviewer:** There are two main forms of diabetes discussed in the study, type 1 and type 2. Can you briefly describe the difference between them in terms of prevalence and treatment challenges?
**Dr. Collins:** Certainly. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that typically manifests in childhood or adolescence. It requires lifelong insulin therapy, as the body cannot produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is much more common and is often linked to lifestyle factors, usually developing in adults. It can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications, although many patients will eventually need insulin as the disease progresses. The challenge lies in the fact that while we see type 1 diabetes remaining relatively stable, the increasing prevalence of type 2 suggests a need for urgent public health interventions focused on prevention.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, as we look forward, what measures do you believe should be taken to combat this growing health crisis?
**Dr. Collins:** We urgently need a multifaceted approach: increasing public awareness about healthy lifestyle choices, improving access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities, and implementing policies that promote healthier eating and physical activity. Additionally, investing in research to better understand diabetes—and how to prevent it—should be a priority.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Collins, for your insights on such an important and pressing issue.
**Dr. Collins:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to discuss and address diabetes as a global health challenge.