Diabetes cases in the world could reach 1.3 billion in 2050, more than double the number in 2021, if effective strategies are not planned, warn new studies on the disease.
Standardized rates of diabetes are expected to rise in all countries over the next three decades, underline a series of studies published in The Lancet and The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
The increase in cases of this disease is expected to be due to the increase in type 2 diabetes, which will be caused by the increase in the prevalence of obesity and demographic changes.
In 2021, there were 529 million people with diabetes and type 2 diabetes accounted for 90% of all diabetes prevalence, which is also expected to be responsible for the possible increase in cases, up to 1.3 billion, in 2050.
In addition, “the structural racism suffered by minority ethnic groups and the geographic inequality experienced by low- and middle-income countries are accelerating rising rates of diabetes, disease, and death around the world,” The Lancet noted.
Diabetes rates among minority ethnic groups in high-income countries like the United States are 1.5 times higher than among whites.
Furthermore, death rates from this disease in low- and middle-income countries are double those in high-income countries.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also widened the inequality in diabetes, as people with diabetes are 50% more likely to develop a serious infection and twice as likely to die, especially if they belong to minority ethnic groups.
Estimates indicate that more than three-quarters of adults with diabetes will be living in low- and middle-income countries by 2045, with less than 1 in 10 receiving comprehensive guideline-based care.
Currently, the global prevalence rate is 6.1%, making diabetes one of the top ten causes of death and disability.
By region, the highest rate is 9.3% in North Africa and the Middle East, projected to rise to 16.8% by 2050, while in Latin America and the Caribbean it is estimated to rise to 11.3 %.
Diabetes was especially evident in people 65 years and older in all countries, with a prevalence rate of more than 20% for this demographic group worldwide.
“The rapid growth rate of diabetes is not only alarming, but also a challenge for all healthcare systems around the world, especially considering that this disease also increases the risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke,” Liane stressed. Ong, one of the researchers at the University of Washington.
Type 2 diabetes is generally associated with obesity, lack of exercise or poor diet, but other factors such as genetics, social and financial barriers within a country’s structural system play a role, especially in those with low income and media.
Another study focuses on potential interventions and highlights the importance of equitable partnerships, building community capacity and trust, changing the ecosystem, and improving the clinical practice environment.
Source: TSF
