Global Diabetes Rates Surge, Inequities in Treatment Persist

Despite rising prevalence, access to diabetes treatment remains uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

A new study reports over 800 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, with significant increases since 1990.
The prevalence of diabetes has risen dramatically in low- and middle-income countries, with India and China having the largest populations affected.
In 2022, nearly 60% of adults with diabetes aged 30 or older did not receive treatment, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare access.
Lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and dietary adjustments, are recommended to prevent type 2 diabetes, the most common form.
Efforts to improve diabetes diagnosis and treatment coverage are urgently needed, especially in regions with low healthcare access.