Diabetes Crisis in Europe: Urgent Public Health and Economic Challenge

A recently published article by Euractiv provides a comprehensive analysis of the escalating diabetes crisis in Europe, and highlights its significant public health implications, economic burdens, and societal challenges associated with this health issue.

Public Health Crisis

The article describes the rising prevalence of diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes, as a “tsunami” that threatens to overwhelm healthcare systems. This rise is driven by factors such as obesity, an ageing population, and poor dietary habits.

Economic Burden

The economic impact of diabetes on Europe is substantial. In 2021, diabetes-related expenditure in Europe totalled approximately €170 billion, which is more than the total EU funding committed to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. This expenditure accounts for 19.6% of global diabetes spending.

The average annual cost per person with diabetes in Europe was around €2,760. For example, Switzerland spent nearly €11,600 per person with diabetes, while the UK, France, and Germany spent between €5,200 and €6,000 per person annually.

Prevalence and Mortality

Spain and Portugal have the highest diabetes prevalence rates in Europe, with nearly 15% and 13% of adults diagnosed, respectively. Most other European countries report prevalence rates of around 8-9%.

Czechia had the highest diabetes-related mortality in 2021, with 43.4 deaths per 100,000 population. Mortality rates were notably higher among men than women across Europe.

Lifestyle Factors

The global prevalence of diabetes is projected to surge, reaching 12.2% of the population by 2045. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 95% of all diabetes cases, is heavily influenced by age, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles. Over 30% of the population in many European countries exhibited insufficient physical activity, and soft drink consumption averaged 98 litres per capita in 2022.

Future Projections

The number of adults living with diabetes in Europe is projected to increase from 32 million today to 35 million by 2030. By 2045, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the region will have diabetes.

Policy and Interventions

The article emphasizes the need for immediate and coordinated action to mitigate the impact of diabetes. Policies such as the introduction of a sugar-sweetened drinks tax, food reformulation to reduce calories, fat, salt, and sugar content are on the cards. Regulating the marketing of unhealthy food to children are also being considered or implemented in various European countries.

Broader Implications

The economic burden of the diabetes crisis in Europe includes direct medical expenses such as hospitalizations, medications, and outpatient care. It also includes indirect costs – lost productivity and premature mortality. These costs are limiting European economic growth. Thus, the need for a bold vision to address this crisis as Europe works towards creating a true Health Union.

In summary, Europe is confronted with a diabetes crisis, with severe public health and economic consequences. There’s an urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to tackle this growing health challenge effectively.