Diabetes Surge: Over Half of Adults Don’t Get Treatment
The number of adults with diabetes worldwide has topped 800 million, and a startling discovery is that more than half of those over 30 are not receiving the care they need.
Diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, can lead to severe health complications, includingheart disease, and vision or nerve damage if left unmanaged.
These alarming statistics come from a groundbreaking study, the first of its kind, examining data from over 1,000 studies and involving more than 140 million people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the number of people with diabetes worldwide soared from 200 million in 1990 to approximately 830 million in 2022.
Low- and middle-income countries are experiencing the most dramatic rise in diabetes cases, but these countries aren’t keeping pace with treatment options. Conversely, some higher- income countries have seen improvements in diabetes management.
“To bring the global diabetes epidemic under control, countries must urgently take action," stated WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
He emphasized the need for policies encouraging healthy diets and physical activity, alongside strengthening healthcare systems capable of preventing, identifying, and treating the disease effectively.
Research underlines the root cause of this global health crisis.
“Lack of accessible and affordable treatment options is a major hindering access to treatment. Many, especially in low- and middle-income regions, simply can’t afford vital medication or basic healthcare," said Professor Jean Claude Mbanya. He directs a major research center in Cameroon.
"Treating diabetes relies mainly on medication, whether through insulin or other medications, all of which remain financially out of reach for many. General good health is not a luxury we can only be richest. This hadn’t changed.
Professor临床前直至 ailing from the disease."
While improvements in certain regions are noticeable, such as in Latin America, parts of Europe, Canada, South Korea, Russia, and Seychelles, the overall picture is grim.
It’s not just about treatment costs. Risk factors such as unhealthy diets and inactive lifestyles are fueling the spike, compounding the problem.
Symptoms, which can appear gradually or suddenly, include constant thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Early identification and taking preventative measures are crucial. quadrilateral mainly on employing medicinal torso
The WHO urges simple yet effective measures for prevention and premature death risk: keeping a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, consuming a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking.
What are the main contributing factors to the global surge in diabetes cases?
## Diabetes Surge: A Global Crisis
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing a concerning new study about the global diabetes epidemic. Joining us is Dr. [Guest Name], a leading endocrinologist. Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for being here.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** This study paints a pretty dire picture. Can you tell us about the key findings?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Absolutely. This groundbreaking study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 studies and millions of people worldwide [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39537321/)], revealed that over half of adults over 30 living with diabetes are not receiving the care they need. This is a staggering statistic, especially considering the World Health Organization estimates that the number of people with diabetes has skyrocketed from 200 million in 1990 to about 830 million in 2022.
**Host:** That’s a huge jump. What are the consequences of leaving diabetes untreated?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** The consequences can be severe. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to a host of complications, including heart disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and even amputations. It significantly diminishes quality of life and puts an immense strain on healthcare systems.
**Host:** The study highlights a disparity between low and middle-income countries versus higher-income countries. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Unfortunately, while some higher-income countries are making progress in managing diabetes, low- and middle-income countries are seeing the most dramatic increases in cases but are struggling to keep up with adequate treatment options. This inequity is deeply worrisome and urgently needs to be addressed.
**Host:** So what can be done? What are your recommendations?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** We need a multifaceted approach. Firstly, increasing awareness and education about diabetes risk factors and prevention is crucial. Secondly, improving access to affordable testing and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, is paramount. investing in research to find better treatments and even a cure for diabetes is essential.
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for sharing your insights on this critical issue. I hope this discussion will raise awareness and encourage action to tackle the global diabetes epidemic.
