Global Diabetes Cases Surpass 800 Million, Study Reveals

Diabetes is now affecting over 828 million adults globally—nearly double previous estimates—with a shocking 59% of people aged 30+ not receiving treatment, according to a groundbreaking study in The Lancet and supported by the WHO.

This surge, driven by rising cases in low- and middle-income countries, highlights a widening treatment gap. While wealthier nations see improvements, regions like sub-Saharan Africa struggle: only 5-10% of people with diabetes get care. Prof. Jean Claude Mbanya warns these gaps risk “serious health complications” for millions.

The study, analyzing data from 140 million people across 1,000+ studies, redefined diabetes diagnosis to include both blood sugar and hemoglobin tests—revealing hidden cases in areas like South Asia.

Though the research didn’t separate type 1 and type 2 diabetes, experts note most adult cases are type 2, linked to obesity and diet. With global rates doubling since 1990, the findings are a wake-up call for healthcare systems worldwide.

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More than 800 million adults have diabetes globally, study suggests

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