Posted on May 22nd, 2023.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

• Type 1 diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, your body doesn't make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy.
• Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin as well as it should.

Diabetes can cause a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.

Global Diabetes Statistics

The prevalence of diabetes has been increasing worldwide for the past 50 years. In 1980, there were an estimated 108 million adults with diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, and this number is projected to rise to 552 million by 2030. Also, WHO estimates that 1.6 million deaths were caused by diabetes in 2015, making it the 8th leading cause of death worldwide.

In terms of regional distribution, the highest prevalence of diabetes is in the Middle East and North Africa, with more than 25% of adults living with the disease. South Asia follows closely behind, with over 20% of the adult population affected by diabetes. Prevalence is also high in Central and Eastern Asia, the Americas, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa, with 15%, 13%, 12%, and 7% of adults living with diabetes, respectively.

At the national level, the countries with the highest diabetes prevalence are Sao Tome and Principe (58.8%), Kuwait (37%), Qatar (33.8%), Samoa (33%), and Saint Kitts and Nevis (31.5%). On the other hand, national levels of diabetes are thought to be low in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, North Korea, and Afghanistan.

In terms of gender, adult diabetes prevalence is higher among men than women in all regions, except South Asia and Latin America, where the prevalence is roughly equal among men and women.

The Economic Impact of Diabetes in the World

Diabetes has an immense economic impact, since the costs associated with the disease (including direct medical costs and indirect costs associated with lost productivity) are estimated to beover $1 trillion dollars a year. In the United States alone, the cost of managing diabetes is estimated to be as high as $327 billion each year.

The direct costs of diabetes include the cost of treating the condition and its associated diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and vision problems. These direct costs encompass the cost of medications, medical treatments and hospitalizations, monitoring, and diagnostic tests. Indirect costs include the economic losses due to absenteeism from work, decreased productivity due to complications and disability, and costs associated with providing long-term care. These costs are especially high in low- and middle-income countries where access to care may be limited and levels of public understanding of diabetes are relatively low.

In addition to the economic costs of diabetes, there are also personal costs to consider. People with diabetes can suffer from depression, social exclusion, lack of mobility, and many other issues related to living with the condition. People in the developing world are particularly vulnerable to diabetes due to poverty, lack of access to health care, and improper nutrition.

Diabetes is a major burden on health systems in low- and middle-income countries. It can lead to a number of complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. These complications can be expensive to treat, and they can also lead to lost productivity.

What is Contributing to the Surge in Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is either unable to produce adequate amounts of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or is unable to properly use the insulin it does produce (type 2 diabetes). The surge in diabetes in recent years can be partially attributed to a combination of a variety of factors.

One of the most significant contributing factors is the rise in obesity. An increase in BMI (body mass index) is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that the number of people who are overweight or obese is steadily rising in developed countries, leading to an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Obesity affects insulin resistance, meaning that the body does not respond well to the insulin it does produce, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Another factor contributing to the surge in diabetes is sedentary lifestyles. Lack of activity and physical exercise can lead to decreased insulin sensitivity, which can result in diabetes in some individuals. In addition, sedentary lifestyles often lead to weight gain, which can further contribute to the problem.

Aging population and rising diabetes levels are related for several reasons. Firstly, as people get older, they become more prone to diseases and medical conditions, such as diabetes. This is because the risk of having diabetes increases with age, as it is closely linked to lifestyle factors. For example, people who are older are more likely to spend more time sitting and less time exercising, which is one of the key risk factors for type 2 diabetes. 

In addition, as people age, their bodies become less able to metabolize glucose, the primary sugar in the blood. This can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. As population aging accelerates, the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, which further increases demand for healthcare services. 

Another factor contributing to rising diabetes levels in an aging population is an increasing rate of obesity. As people move into old age, they often become less active and gain weight. This increases their risk of insulin resistance, one of the risk factors for diabetes. 

Finally, changes in diet have also contributed to the rise in diabetes, as people increasingly consume large quantities of processed and sugary foods. These are high in calories and low in nutritional value, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance in some people.

Diabetes is a serious chronic health condition that can have a significant impact on your life. However, there are a number of things you can do to prevent diabetes and manage your condition if you do have it. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help to live a long and healthy life with diabetes.

If you or someone you love is struggling with diabetes, Regina Mundi Diabetes LLC is here to help. Whether you need the best diabetic care products or advice on how to better manage the disease, we are here to provide the highest quality of service for your unique situation. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more and get started on the path to better health.