More than 800 million adults worldwide have diabetes —almost double previous estimates—and over half of those aged over 30 with the condition are not receiving treatment, according to a new study.
The research, published in The Lancet, revealed that the global prevalence of diabetes has doubled since 1990, rising from around 7% to 14%. The increase has been largely attributed to growing numbers of cases in low- and middle-income countries.
While diabetes cases have surged, treatment rates in these regions have barely improved, the study found. In contrast, higher-income countries have seen some progress, widening the gap in access to care.
In 2022, approximately 828 million adults aged 18 and older were living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Among those aged 30 and above, 445 million—59%—were not receiving treatment, the authors reported.
Previously, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 422 million people globally had diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, nerves, and other organs.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, described the findings as alarming, stating:
“To control the global diabetes epidemic, countries must act urgently, implementing policies to support healthy diets, physical activity, and health systems capable of preventing, detecting, and treating the condition.”
The study highlighted stark disparities in care. In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only 5–10% of those estimated to have diabetes were receiving treatment, according to Professor Jean Claude Mbanya of the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon. He noted that treating diabetes, whether with insulin or other medications, can be prohibitively expensive, adding:
“A huge number of people are at risk of severe health complications.”
Conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and the WHO, the study is the first global analysis to include diabetes rates and treatment estimates for every country. It synthesised data from over 1,000 studies involving more than 140 million people.
Diabetes was defined using common diagnostic criteria: elevated fasting plasma glucose levels, high glycated haemoglobin, or the use of diabetes medication. The researchers noted that using both tests reduced the likelihood of underestimating prevalence, particularly in regions like South Asia, where relying solely on fasting plasma glucose might miss cases.
Although the study did not distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, prior evidence suggests that the majority of adult cases are type 2, which is closely associated with obesity and poor dietary habits.
