Global diabetes rate doubled in last 30 years
Yes, the global rate of diabetes has seen a significant increase over the past few decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of people living with diabetes has more than doubled in the last 30 years. In 1995, an estimated 108 million people were living with diabetes worldwide. By 2021, that number had risen to about 537 million, with projections indicating that it could continue to increase in the coming years.
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend:
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Lifestyle Changes: Increasing urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits (such as high sugar and fat intake) have become more widespread globally, contributing to the rise in type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to obesity and physical inactivity.
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Aging Population: The global population is aging, and age is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. As people live longer, more individuals are at risk of developing diabetes.
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Genetics: Some populations are genetically predisposed to developing type 2 diabetes, and these genetic factors can be exacerbated by environmental and lifestyle factors.
Awareness and Diagnosis: In the past few decades, there has been increased awareness and better diagnostic tools, leading to more people being diagnosed with diabetes. This means the observed rise in rates may reflect better identification and reporting, not just an actual increase in prevalence.
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Global Health Inequities: In many low- and middle-income countries, access to healthy foods, healthcare, and education about diabetes prevention is limited. This has contributed to rising diabetes rates in these regions.
Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form of diabetes globally, but the number of people with type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes is also rising in many parts of the world. Efforts to address the global diabetes crisis include improving public health awareness, increasing access to affordable healthcare, promoting healthy eating habits, and encouraging physical activity.
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