A staggering 828 million adults worldwide are now living with diabetes, almost double previous estimates, according to a new study published in The Lancet. The research highlights a growing health crisis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries across Asia, where rising cases and limited access to treatment pose significant challenges.
The study, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), is the first global analysis to include diabetes rates and treatment estimates for all countries. Based on data from over 1,000 studies involving more than 140 million people, the findings reveal that the global diabetes rate has doubled since 1990, soaring from around 7% to 14%.
Among adults aged 30 years and older, an alarming 59%—equating to 445 million people—are not receiving treatment for diabetes. In many regions, particularly in South Asia, using traditional diagnostic methods like fasting plasma glucose alone has led to underestimation of cases. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive testing, including glycated hemoglobin measurements, to accurately identify and manage the disease.
Asia at the Epicenter of the Diabetes Surge
Asia is experiencing a significant share of this global surge. Rapid urbanization, changing dietary habits, and a lack of access to affordable healthcare contribute to the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the region. In some areas, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa and comparable regions in Asia, only 5–10% of those estimated to have diabetes are receiving treatment.
“A huge number [are] at risk of serious health complications,” said Jean Claude Mbanya, professor at the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon. The high cost of treatment, including insulin and other medications, remains a significant barrier for many individuals in these countries.
Urgent Need for Action
The rising diabetes epidemic poses a severe threat to public health and economies in Asia. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. The study calls for urgent action to improve access to diagnosis and treatment, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote lifestyle changes to curb the growing burden of diabetes.
With the majority of adult diabetes cases being type 2—often linked to obesity and poor diet—there is a crucial need for public health initiatives focusing on preventive measures. Addressing these challenges is essential to mitigating the impact of diabetes on individuals and societies across Asia and the world.
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More than 800 million adults have diabetes globally, study suggests
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