New research from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has revealed that one in nine adults is living with diabetes
The IDF has revealed that 589 million people are now living with diabetes, and within this figure, an estimated 252 million people are not aware they have the condition. Many people will be diagnosed when they already have one or more complications and will have missed opportunities to prevent or delay their onset.
These findings are extracted from the 11th edition of the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas, released at the World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.
1.8m children and young adults are living with type 1 diabetes
The latest IDF estimates show that:
- 589 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes globally, more than the population of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean combined.
- The estimated number of adults with diabetes is projected to reach 853 million by 2050.
- 3 in 4 adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Diabetes is responsible for over 3.4 million deaths annually.
- 1 in 8 adults are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- 1.8 million children and young adults under 20 are living with type 1 diabetes.
As the number of people living with diabetes rises, the need for urgent intervention grows. Improved prevention, early detection and intervention tactics are required to support individuals, communities, health systems and economies.
In 2024, global diabetes-related health expenditure surpassed one trillion US dollars for the first time, up from $966 billion in 2021.
Professor Dianna Magliano, who co-chairs the IDF Diabetes Atlas Committee along with Professor Edward Boyko, said:
“The new data provides strong evidence that should spark action and promote initiatives to improve the lives of the many millions now living with diabetes and encourage more to detect diabetes in those at risk.”
Professor Boyko added: “Addressing the rising trend will require greater awareness, a focus on prevention, and ongoing surveillance of diabetes prevalence to support accurate monitoring of the global diabetes impact.”
Investing in preventive healthcare programmes
The latest data indicates that people living with type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all diabetes, are at 84% higher risk of heart failure than people who do not have the condition.
The IDF has warned that these figures need immediate attention, urging governments to invest in preventive healthcare programmes, especially in regions where diabetes is often undiagnosed.
President Professor Peter Schwarz said: “The findings underscore an urgent need for bolder national and global action to tackle diabetes. With over 4 in every 10 people with diabetes not yet diagnosed, governments must prioritise screening, early diagnosis, and education. Addressing the rising tide of diabetes will demand collaboration across multiple sectors and disciplines. Governments, the healthcare sector, education, technology and the private sectors all have a role to play. The consequences of ignoring or not paying sufficient attention to the diabetes challenge are too significant. Inaction in the face of this pandemic is not an option.”
The IDF Diabetes Atlas was first published in 2000, and offers insight into the impact of diabetes at national, regional, and global levels, based on the best available evidence. The 11th edition reflects new methodologies that incorporate trends in health expenditure, regional prevalence rates, and a focus on undiagnosed diabetes.
