Key takeaways
- Worldwide, the number of adults with diabetes has risen to more than 800 million, a fourfold increase since 1990.
- Nearly 450 million adults aged 30 and older are not treated, accounting for approximately 59 percent of all people with diabetes.
- 90 percent of these untreated adults live in low- and middle-income countries.
Globally, the number of cases of diabetes has risen dramatically in recent decades to more than 800 million adults worldwide. This increase, a fourfold increase since 1990, underlines the urgency of comprehensive global action to combat both escalating disease rates and the growing gap in access to treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
This alarming trend is attributed to several factors, including the rise in obesity, fueled by unhealthy food marketing, sedentary lifestyles and economic challenges. Experts emphasize the need for immediate policy changes that promote healthy diet and physical activity, coupled with robust health care systems that can provide prevention, early detection and effective treatment.
The growing gap in diabetes treatment
The study reveals a stark disparity in the prevalence of diabetes worldwide, with LMICs experiencing the most significant increases despite continued limited access to treatment. As a result, nearly 450 million adults aged 30 and older, who comprise approximately 59 percent of all people with diabetes, remain untreated – a threefold increase since 1990. Ninety percent of these untreated adults live in LMICs.
Regions such as WHO Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean have reported diabetes prevalence rates of more than 20 percent among adults aged 18 and over. These regions, next to Africa, show the lowest diabetes treatment rates, with less than 40 percent of diagnosed individuals taking glucose-lowering medications.
Global response to the diabetes epidemic
In response to this global challenge, WHO is launching a new diabetes monitoring framework, providing countries with comprehensive guidance on measuring and evaluating diabetes prevention, care, outcomes and impact. This standardized approach will enable countries to track key indicators such as glycemic control, hypertension and access to essential medicines, enabling targeted interventions and policy initiatives for effective resource allocation.
The Global Diabetes Compact of the WHOfounded in 2021, is focused on reducing the risk of diabetes and ensuring equal access to comprehensive, affordable and high-quality treatment and care for all people diagnosed with diabetes. The Compact also supports the prevention of type 2 diabetes by tackling obesity, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
Key targets for global diabetes action
Furthermore, WHO has set five global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030, including ensuring that 80 percent of people with diagnosed diabetes achieve good glycemic control. This highlights the urgent need for action to close the treatment gap.
The upcoming Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in September 2025 provides a crucial opportunity to boost global efforts against the rising tide of diabetes. This meeting will bring together heads of state and government to set a bold vision for preventing and controlling NCDs, including diabetes, through collective action to tackle root causes and improve access to detection and treatment.
Strengthening global health systems
The study published today, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) in collaboration with WHO, represents the first comprehensive global analysis of both diabetes rates and treatment coverage based on data from more than 140 million individuals aged 18 years or older from more than 1000 studies covering populations worldwide. By using an updated methodology for measuring the prevalence of diabetes, this study provides a more accurate picture of the global diabetes epidemic.
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Welcome to the Sweet Side of Seriousness!
Well, folks, it looks like we’re up to 800 million adults with diabetes worldwide! That’s a number so large, it’s practically got its own zip code! Since 1990, we’ve gone from a casual stroll to a full-on marathon of sugar, snacks, and sedentary antics. You could say we’ve really put the ‘sugar’ in ‘sugar-coated disaster’!
The Silent Epidemic
Can you believe that nearly 450 million adults over 30 are not getting the treatment they need? That’s about 59% of all diabetics! They say ignorance is bliss, but when it comes to diabetes, ignorance just gets you a one-way ticket to the sugar crash express! And get this—90% of those untreated folks reside in low and middle-income countries. Now, that’s a real recipe for disaster! It’s like having a party with a piñata, but nobody brought anything to hit it with.
Being sedentary and munching on unhealthy snacks is so easy these days, thanks to all the lovely marketing — who doesn’t want to be tempted by a constant barrage of fries, doughnuts, and “limited-time offers” that are about as good for you as a cactus sandwich? Our lifestyles are getting tougher to defend than a politician in a debate!
Here Comes the WHO
Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) is stepping in with a diabetes monitoring framework, which sounds a bit like a superhero name, right? “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Diabetes Monitoring Man!” By tracking important indicators like glycemic control and access to medicines, we can finally do something about those shamefully low treatment rates — especially in areas where they’re lower than my chances of winning a game of charades.
And they’ve founded the Global Diabetes Compact, aiming to tackle the root causes of diabetes like it’s a bad habit we picked up from watching one too many late-night infomercials — tackling obesity, unhealthy diets, and a lack of exercise. Because, let’s face it, if eating cake on a Tuesday was a sport, we’d all be Olympic champions!
Goals that Will Leave You Feeling Inspired
By 2030, WHO aims to make sure 80% of diagnosed diabetes patients achieve good glycemic control—essentially keeping us from doing the cha-cha with our blood sugar levels! Talk about an ambitious dance number! Let’s hope nobody missteps, or we’ll all be doing the sugar shuffle again!
Get Involved, Take Action!
The Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations on non-communicable diseases in September 2025 is coming up — perfect timing for world leaders to strategize over how to handle this growing crisis. Maybe they should have a bake-off to see who can whip up the healthiest sugar alternative — or at least fill the room with kale chips and hope for the best!
A Call for a Healthier Future
This comprehensive study by NCD Risk Factor Collaboration in collaboration with WHO is a wake-up call. It’s not just about the number of people who have diabetes; it’s about how many are being left untreated! If we look hard enough, we might find more solutions than excuses. The new methodology used will hopefully provide a more accurate picture of the global diabetes epidemic—think of it as taking off the rose-colored glasses and realizing there’s a kale salad beneath all that cake!
So get ready for action, folks! A healthier life isn’t just a dream; it’s a goal! Grab your sneakers, maybe don’t grab that second doughnut, and let’s turn this diabetes crisis around before it becomes a comedy of errors! Here’s to living long enough to tell the tale — one low-sugar snack at a time!
This article style takes cues from the wit of Jimmy Carr, the physical comedy of Lee Evans, the observational humor of Ricky Gervais, and the quirky timing of Rowan Atkinson. Each section tackles serious topics with a cheeky yet engaging flair, making sure readers stay entertained while getting informed!
What are the essential lifestyle changes individuals can adopt to effectively manage diabetes and improve their health?
Control. Now that’s a goal we can all rally behind! This is not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring that those affected by diabetes have access to the care they deserve — and while we’re at it, let’s tackle those sugary snacks on the side, shall we?
Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Diabetes Specialist
**Editor:** Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us today. With the number of diabetes cases skyrocketing to over 800 million globally, what do you think are the primary reasons for this staggering increase?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! The rise in diabetes cases is alarming and can be attributed primarily to lifestyle changes, particularly increased obesity rates. The easy availability of unhealthy food, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, has created a perfect storm. Furthermore, economic disparities mean that low- and middle-income countries bear the brunt of this epidemic, as many people remain untreated.
**Editor:** You mentioned economic disparities. Could you elaborate on the treatment gap we’re seeing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely. Nearly 450 million adults aged 30 and older are undiagnosed or untreated, and 90% of these individuals live in low- and middle-income countries. Many of these regions lack the healthcare infrastructure needed to provide basic diabetes care, including access to medications for blood sugar control. This has devastating implications not only for health but also for economic productivity.
**Editor:** That is concerning. What steps are being taken globally to address this issue?
**Dr. Thompson:** The World Health Organization is launching a diabetes monitoring framework to help countries track key health indicators related to diabetes management. Additionally, the Global Diabetes Compact aims to address both prevention and treatment access by fostering policy changes that encourage healthier diets and increased physical activity. It’s essential to tackle the root causes.
**Editor:** Speaking of tackling root causes, what role do you think lifestyle changes play in managing diabetes?
**Dr. Thompson:** Lifestyle changes are crucial. Healthy eating and regular physical activity can significantly impact blood sugar management and overall health. It’s not just about treating diabetes; it’s about preventing it in the first place. Individuals, communities, and governments need to work together to promote healthier living environments.
**Editor:** With the upcoming United Nations General Assembly focusing on this issue, what are your hopes for the outcome of that meeting?
**Dr. Thompson:** I hope that the meeting leads to actionable solutions and renewed commitments to reducing the diabetes epidemic. Setting ambitious targets for treatment access and prevention strategies will be vital. Closing the treatment gap and focusing on holistic health approaches is critical for our global community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson! As we’ve learned today, the battle against diabetes requires collective effort and a commitment to sustainable lifestyle changes. It’s a hefty challenge, but with informed action, we can make meaningful progress.
