What are the global trends in diabetes prevalence and treatment over the past three decades, and how do they compare across countries? A study published in The Lancet examines global diabetes trends from 1990 to 2022. This research highlights the alarming rise in diabetes prevalence and treatment gaps, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

Global Prevalence of Diabetes

The global rate of diabetes (combining type 1 and type 2) in adults has doubled from approximately 7% in 1990 to about 14% in 2022.
This increase has resulted in over 800 million adults living with diabetes worldwide, which is more than four times the number in 1990.

Regional Variations in Diabetes Prevalence and Treatment

The largest increases in diabetes rates were observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the disease burden has significantly risen. In contrast, regions like North America, Australasia, central and western Europe, and parts of Latin America and East Asia and the Pacific have seen improvements in diabetes treatment rates, contributing to widening global inequities in diabetes treatment.

Global Diabetes Treatment Gaps

Despite the increasing prevalence, treatment rates for diabetes have stagnated at low levels in many LMICs. As a result, nearly 450 million adults aged 30 and over with diabetes (approximately 59%) did not receive treatment in 2022.

Policy Implications

The findings emphasize the urgent need for financing of medicines and comprehensive diabetes programs to enable early detection and effective treatment of diabetes, particularly in LMICs. Overall, the study underscores the growing global burden of diabetes, especially in low-income regions, and highlights the critical need for improved access to diabetes treatment and care.