Around 1.5 million people worldwide died due to diabetes in 2019 according to the World Health Organization. It is estimated that 537 million people are currently living with diabetes all over the world.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, the number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing in every single country worldwide and the IDF estimates there will be more than 600 million diabetics by 2035.
The IDF Diabetes Atlas Tenth edition 2021 provides the latest figures, information and projections on diabetes worldwide.Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of all diabetes.
In 2021,
- Approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes.
- The total number of people living with diabetes is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.
- 3 in 4 adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries
- Almost 1 in 2 (240 million) adults living with diabetes are undiagnosed
Statistics for diabetes can be compiled and presented in two ways, as a percentage of the country’s total population, or as the total number of the population affected.
CHINA has the highest TOTAL NUMBER of diabetics worldwide with around 140 million people suffering from the disease. But, as a PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION, at 10.6% China ranks 57th of 195 countries tracking diabetes data.
INDIA ranks number two in TOTAL NUMBER of diabetics at 74 million. India ranks 64th of 195 countries as a PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION, at 9.6%.
While PAKISTAN ranks fourth with a TOTAL NUMBER of diabetics at 33 million, but ranks 1st of 195 countries as a PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION, at 30.8%.
The proportion of people with undiagnosed diabetes in Pakistan is estimated at 26.9% according to the data available at IDF.
According to IDF, the rise in the number of people with type 2 is driven by a complex interplay of socio-economic, demographic, environmental and genetic factors. Key contributors include urbanisation, an ageing population, decreasing levels of physical activity and increasing levels of overweight and obesity.
Here in Canada, a considerable amount of momentum has been building on type 2 diabetes prevention and management of all types of diabetes in recent years. The increasing prevalence of diabetes in Canada, and recent severe COVID-19 outcomes in people with diabetes, have activated Parliamentarians and stakeholders to call for a more coordinated and focused effort by the Government of Canada to prevent and manage diabetes.
