Urgent Action Required As Global Diabetes Cases Increase Four-Fold Since 1990, WHO Warns

The global diabetes epidemic has reached alarming levels, with over 800 million adults now living with the condition. This figure has more than quadrupled since 1990, according to recent data published in The Lancet on World Diabetes Day. The NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), conducted this analysis, highlighting the urgent need for stronger global action.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasised the concerning rise in diabetes over three decades. He attributed this increase to obesity, unhealthy food marketing, lack of physical activity, and economic challenges. "To bring the global diabetes epidemic under control, countries must urgently take action," he stated. Dr Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of policies promoting healthy diets and exercise alongside robust health systems for prevention and treatment.

The study indicates that adult diabetes prevalence doubled from 7% to 14% between 1990 and 2022. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) saw the most significant increases. Despite soaring rates, access to treatment remains low in these regions. In 2022, nearly 450 million adults aged 30 and older were untreated for diabetes, a 3.5-fold rise since 1990. Ninety per cent of these untreated individuals reside in LMICs.

Significant disparities exist globally in diabetes rates among adults aged 18 and older. In the WHO South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, prevalence is around 20%. These areas, along with Africa, have some of the lowest treatment coverage rates. Less than four out of ten adults with diabetes receive glucose-lowering medication in these regions.

In response to the growing burden of diabetes, WHO is introducing a new global monitoring framework today. This initiative aims to guide countries in measuring and evaluating diabetes prevention and care outcomes effectively. By tracking key indicators like glycaemic control and hypertension management, nations can enhance targeted interventions and policy measures.

This standardised approach empowers countries to allocate resources efficiently, leading to significant improvements in diabetes prevention and care strategies worldwide. It represents a crucial step forward in addressing the escalating global diabetes crisis.

With inputs from WAM