A new study has revealed that the number of people living with diabetes has reached a staggering 463 million worldwide. This is a significant increase from the previous estimate of 382 million in 2013.
The study, published in the journal The Lancet, was conducted by an international team of researchers and analyzed data from 204 countries and territories. It found that the prevalence of diabetes has risen from 4.3% in 1990 to 9.0% in 2019, with the highest rates in low- and middle-income countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. This leads to high levels of glucose in the blood, which can cause serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
The study also revealed that the number of deaths attributed to diabetes has increased by 70% since 1990, with 1.2 million deaths in 2019 alone. This makes diabetes the seventh leading cause of death globally.
The rise in diabetes cases can be attributed to several factors, including an aging population, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles. The study also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increase, as people with diabetes are at a higher risk of severe illness and death from the virus.
The authors of the study emphasized the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies to address the growing burden of diabetes. They also called for increased investment in healthcare systems to provide better access to diabetes care and treatment.
In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the alarming rise in diabetes cases globally and the need for immediate action to address this public health crisis. It is crucial for individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and for governments to prioritize diabetes prevention and management in their healthcare policies.
