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A large statistical study published in the journal The Lancet reveals that diabetes is expected to affect 1.3 billion people in 2050, compared to 530 million today. The authors of the study warn of the rapid increase in cases of type 2 diabetes, largely linked to obesity.
“Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The disease affects all countries in the world and occurs at all ages, regardless of gender” reminds the authors of the study. This chronic disease is characterized by an excess of sugar in the blood or hyperglycemia. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes caused by a lack of insulin secretion (hormone that regulates blood sugar) by the pancreas and type 2 diabetes due to poor use of insulin by the cells of the pancreas. the organism. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children, adolescents and young adults. Type 2 diabetes most often manifests after the age of 20 and develops very gradually and insidiously.
A disease with serious complications
Over time, diabetes can cause vascular damage to the heart, eyes, and nerves. Also, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from health problems such as myocardial infarction, stroke and kidney failure. Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels in the eyes and cause permanent vision loss. Finally, diabetes can cause foot problems (ulcers that may require amputation) due to nerve damage and poor blood circulation.
Diabetes in numbers
The study published in The Lancet compiles diabetes statistics for 2021 and projections for 2050 in 204 countries. For this, the researchers used data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). It is a comprehensive regional and global research program on the burden of disease that assesses mortality and disability from major diseases, injuries and risk factors.
In 2021, there were 529 million people with diabetes worldwide, with an incidence rate of 6.1%. According to the projections indicated in the study, 1.3 billion people could be affected in 2050. In 2021, 96% of adult diabetics suffered from type 2 diabetes and for 52% of them, a body mass index (BMI) high was one of the causes of the disease. Cases of type 2 diabetes attributable to obesity increased by more than 24% between 1990 and 2021, the study reports.
Type 2 diabetes, a preventable disease
Diabetes is more than ever a public health problem. Type 2 diabetes, which affects the majority of diabetic patients, is a preventable disease and in some cases can be reversible if detected and treated early. Unfortunately, statistics show that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been steadily increasing for twenty years due to the increase in cases of obesity induced by several factors (sedentary lifestyle, junk food, etc.).
The prevention and glycemic control of type 2 diabetes therefore represent an ongoing challenge. It is essential to better identify the risk factors in order to put in place strategies to effectively control type 2 diabetes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recalls that “lifestyle change is the best way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes”. To prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, the WHO recommends:
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight;
- Stay physically active by doing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day;
- Eat healthy and avoid sugar and saturated fats;
- Not to smoke tobacco.
Slide: Diabetes: 10 tips to avoid complications