As published in this week's Lancet, the number of people living with diabetes worldwide has quadrupled in the past 20 years, with 830 million people diagnosed with diabetes by 2022. .
That's more than four times the number of people who contracted the disease in 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday.
The sources also point out that more than half of people with diabetes are not taking medication to manage their diabetes.
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The prevalence of the disease is increasing faster in low- and middle-income countries, where access to treatment is least.
The number of people living with diabetes worldwide has quadrupled in the past 20 years, with 830 million people diagnosed with diabetes as of 2022. (St. Petersburg)
The WHO said diabetes will directly cause 1.6 million deaths in 2021, with almost half of these occurring in people under 70 years of age.
A further 530,000 related deaths are thought to be due to kidney disease.
Why spikes?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) summarizes four reasons for the increase in diabetes rates:
1. Diet
“Eating a diet high in fat and processed sugar may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” the ADA writes.
To become healthier, doctors suggest eating like your great-grandparents
In particular, it recommends drinking water instead of sugary drinks.
2. Lack of physical activity
“Physical activity less than three times a week may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” the ADA states.
Experts recommend that American adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and at least two days of strength-strengthening exercise each week.
3. Are overweight or obese
Although excess weight increases the risk of diabetes, the ADA notes that many people with diabetes are of normal weight or only moderately overweight.
According to the World Health Organization, by 2022, one in eight people worldwide will be obese. (St. Petersburg)
According to the WHO, by 2022, one in eight people in the world will be obese.
4. Family history
“Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” the ADA notes.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a press release on Thursday that the “alarming rise” in diabetes was caused by “increasing obesity (made worse by the marketing of unhealthy foods), lack of physical activity, economic It was said that this was due to “difficulties”. . ”
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Experts say rising obesity rates are closely linked to sugary diets.
“Undernourishment and unhealthy lifestyles are at the heart of this surge, and this problem is exacerbated by inflation, especially for vulnerable populations who often face challenges such as not being able to access or afford healthy food. It’s getting worse,” Dr. Arti said. Mr. Mastruzo is chief medical officer for Ohio-based CCS, where he focuses on simplifying comprehensive chronic care management for patients.
“Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” the ADA notes. (St. Petersburg)
“Healthy foods are expensive, as are gym memberships, which means not everyone can afford them or have access to them if you live in a rural area,” she says. He told FOX News Digital.
Jessica M. Kelly, a registered dietitian with Nutrition That Heals in Pennsylvania, also pointed to ready-to-eat foods as a potential culprit.
“The number of adults living with diabetes has likely increased because of the ease of ordering convenient food at home,” she told Fox News Digital.
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The increase in sedentary lifestyles is also a major factor.
“As a society, we are becoming increasingly sedentary for a variety of reasons, from increased working hours to more time spent using technology such as social media,” Masturzo said.
Diabetes caused 1.6 million deaths in 2021, with nearly half of those deaths occurring before the age of 70.
According to the WHO, approximately one-third of adults worldwide did not meet the recommended level of physical activity in 2022.
Family history, age, and ethnicity can also increase your risk of diabetes.
What needs to change?
“Countries must take urgent action to curb the global diabetes epidemic,” WHO's Dr. Tedros said in a statement.
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“This starts with enacting policies that support healthy eating and physical activity, and most importantly, health systems that provide prevention, early detection, and treatment.”
Mr Masturzo called on regulators to “reinforce and ensure enforcement of healthy food options” to reduce diabetes rates.
The American Diabetes Association recommends drinking water instead of sugary drinks. (St. Petersburg)
“Many other countries are far ahead of the United States when it comes to these regulations today, especially when it comes to food additives and food labels,” she emphasized.
“As a nation, we must also find new ways to encourage food manufacturers and fast food restaurants to make healthier food more affordable for everyone.”
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Kelly recommends people with diabetes work with a registered dietitian who can help them develop “sustainable nutritional habits that support control and management of blood sugar levels.”
“Countries must take urgent action to control the global diabetes epidemic.”
Increasing physical activity can also help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, she added.
Alongside Thursday's call to action, WHO also announced the launch of the Global Diabetes Surveillance Framework to guide countries in measuring and evaluating diabetes prevention and care.
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“By tracking key indicators such as glycemic control, hypertension, and access to essential medicines, countries can improve targeted interventions and policy efforts,” the WHO writes.
