Diabetes: A Look Ahead

It is no secret that diabetes is major global concern for developed countries as well as developing countries. This growing concern has many facets ranging from meeting the increasing demands for diabetes medication to changing health coverage policies to protect people with diabetes. Today there are more than 143 million people living with diabetes and by year 2025 it is expected to reach 300 million people worldwide. The highest prevalence of diabetes is now in developing countries and recent reports indicate that by 2025 the number of adults affected by diabetes in developing countries will increase 170 percent from 84 million to 228 million people.

This growing epidemic is a concern due to developing countries' lack of economic and health resources to adequately address the situation. In India, there are over 35 million people living with diabetes and with their rapidly growing population, the incidence of diabetes is expected to double in the next 15 years. At present, India is faced with health coverage problems for their growing diabetes population. Russia is another good example of a country that is experiencing difficulty in meeting the needs of the growing diabetes population. Recently, concerns have been expressed over the availability of good quality insulin, and now the Russian government is working to improve the situation.

Diabetes around the world

Here is a list of the top 10 countries that are projected to experience a dramatic increase in their diabetes population by 2025.

Country

(in thousands)

1997

2025

India

 

20,789

57,243

China

 

17,064

37,555

US

 

14,315

21,892

Russian Federation

 

9,168

12,240

Japan

 

6,523

8,543

Brazil

 

5,254

11,603

Indonesia

 

4,886

12,427

Pakistan

 

4,727

14,523

Mexico

 

4,170

11,684

Egypt

 

3,464

8,802

Where do we go from here?

The greatest increase of people diagnosed with diabetes is likely to occur in the developing countries, which are the communities that may be least economically prepared to handle the growth. The good news is that international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) are committed to improving the economic and social burdens resulting from diabetes.

International efforts to raise awareness and improve treatments In 1997, WHO established a program on noncommunicable diseases to facilitate the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory and rheumatic diseases, diabetes, genetic disorders, oral diseases and noma. Through these programs, WHO works with countries to determine their risk factors and develop policies and strategies for effective prevention and control. Other international efforts to raise awareness about diabetes and its complications include the annual World Diabetes Day on November 14, which is hosted by the IDF and WHO.

While the number of people affected by diabetes continues to rise, new ways of reaching communities and educating them about the disease continue to emerge. As researchers search for a cure for this chronic disease, educating people about diabetes and balancing diet, exercise, and routine testing allows people with diabetes to live healthy and active lives, and still remains the best way to prevent life-threatening complications.