London - Findings from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington indicate that unless immediate action is taken, the prevalence of diabetes will surge worldwide over the next three decades. Currently, there are approximately 529 million individuals globally living with diabetes. However, the study projects a staggering increase to around 1.3 billion people affected by 2050.

The study emphasizes that the majority of these cases will be attributed to type 2 diabetes, a form of the disease closely associated with obesity and largely preventable, as highlighted by the researchers.

According to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet medical journal, the rise in diabetes cases worldwide is far from uniform, with certain countries and regions facing a particularly severe burden. By 2050, it is projected that North Africa and the Middle East will experience a prevalence rate of 16.8%, while Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to reach 11.3%. In comparison, the global estimate stands at 9.8%, with the current prevalence at 6.1%. Nevertheless, researchers emphasize that every country will be affected by this escalating issue.

Lead author of the paper, Liane Ong, expressed grave concern about the rapid growth of diabetes, highlighting its strong association with various cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and stroke.

The surge in diabetes cases can be attributed, in part, to the escalating rates of obesity and demographic shifts. The study reveals that older adults have a higher prevalence of diabetes. It is important to note that the data does not account for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the relevant numbers were not yet available at the time of analysis.

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the study forms part of a broader series on diabetes published in The Lancet. The series advocates for more effective mitigation strategies and emphasizes the need to address inequality, as the majority of diabetes patients reside in low- and middle-income countries, where access to proper treatment remains a significant challenge.