Geneva: The global diabetes epidemic has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 800 million adults now living with the condition, according to a new study released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on World Diabetes Day. The findings, which underscore the rapidly growing scope of the crisis, reveal that the number of diabetes cases has quadrupled since 1990, highlighting the urgent need for immediate global action.
The study, led by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), a global network of over 1,500 researchers and health professionals, is the first comprehensive effort to analyze both the prevalence of diabetes and access to treatment worldwide. Drawing from data covering more than 140 million adults aged 18 and older, the research paints a stark picture of a public health challenge spiraling out of control.
Dramatic Increase in Global Prevalence
The report shows that the global prevalence of diabetes has more than doubled in the last three decades, rising from 7% in 1990 to 14% in 2022. Despite this alarming surge, nearly 450 million adults — or roughly 60% of those affected — remain untreated. The overwhelming majority of untreated cases are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where an estimated 90% of individuals with diabetes lack access to necessary care.
The Growing Threat to Public Health
WHO officials warn that the rise in diabetes is closely linked to a range of lifestyle factors, including poor dietary habits, rising obesity rates, insufficient physical activity, and increasing economic inequality. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the situation “alarming,” noting that these interconnected factors are driving the global health crisis.
“The rise in diabetes reflects deeper issues within our food systems, physical activity levels, and the widening economic disparities that limit access to healthy lifestyles,” Dr. Tedros said. “If left unchecked, the impact on global health systems will be profound.”
Regional Disparities and Gaps in Treatment
The study also reveals significant regional disparities in diabetes prevalence and treatment access. Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean regions bear the heaviest burden, with approximately 20% of adults in these areas affected by the disease. In these regions, as well as in Africa, treatment remains scarce, with fewer than four out of ten adults with diabetes receiving the necessary glucose-lowering medications.
To address these disparities, the WHO has introduced a new global monitoring framework that will track essential indicators, such as blood sugar control and access to diabetes medications. The framework is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring more equitable access to diabetes care worldwide.
A Call for Immediate Action
In response to the escalating crisis, the WHO is calling on governments to take urgent and coordinated action. Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for policies that promote healthier diets, increase physical activity, and strengthen health systems to ensure better prevention, early detection, and treatment of diabetes.
“To curb this epidemic, countries must act now,” Dr. Tedros urged. “This starts with enacting policies that support healthy lifestyles and, most importantly, strengthening health systems to provide prevention, early detection, and treatment to those who need it most.”
Ambitious Global Targets for 2030
As part of its long-term strategy, the WHO has set a goal for the next decade: ensuring that 80% of diagnosed diabetes patients achieve optimal glycaemic control by 2030. These targets are designed to address the root causes of the diabetes epidemic while improving access to life-saving treatments globally.
With diabetes now one of the leading global health threats, experts stress that a unified, international response is critical to preventing further escalation and easing the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
As the number of people affected by diabetes continues to grow, the urgency for global action has never been clearer.
