Doubling of Diabetes Cases Worldwide Since 1990: A Lancet Study

A new comprehensive study published in one of the world's most reputable medical journals, The Lancet, has sounded the alarm about the global diabetes epidemic.

According to the findings of this research, the number of people with diabetes worldwide has more than doubled from 1990 to 2022, reaching 828 million in 2022.

Significant Increase in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Based on the findings of this international research, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America have experienced the greatest increases in diabetes prevalence.

Treatment Gap: The Missing Link in the Diabetes Crisis

Despite the significant increase in diabetes cases, only 59% of adults with diabetes in 2022 received treatment, putting millions at risk of serious complications. These findings indicate that diabetes has become a global crisis and requires urgent and widespread action at the global level.

The increase in diabetes prevalence in low and middle-income countries highlights the strong link between diabetes and socioeconomic factors such as lifestyle changes, poor nutrition, and lack of access to healthcare.

The Need for Investment in Diabetes Prevention Programs

This study emphasizes that since diabetes is often preventable, investing in diabetes prevention programs, including promoting a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity, is of paramount importance.

Importance of Improving Access to Treatment

Researchers in this study also acknowledge that increasing access to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for diabetes is essential to prevent serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, and amputation.

The findings of this study sound a serious alarm for the global community. The uncontrolled increase in diabetes prevalence poses a serious threat to public health and the global economy. To combat this crisis, urgent and coordinated action is needed at the global level.

This extensive study, by examining data from research conducted by researchers at reputable universities and research centers around the world, including researchers at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute and the Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, has conducted a comprehensive and in-depth examination of diabetes and has presented valuable findings in this area.

Dr. Bagher Larijani, Dr. Reza Malekzadeh, Dr. Ramin Heshmat, Dr. Afshin Ostovar, Dr. Farshad Farzadfar, and Dr. Akram Porshams are among the professors of Tehran University of Medical Sciences who participated in this research.