BRUSSELS—The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) released its 5th edition of the Diabetes Atlas, which reveals the number of people living with diabetes in the world is expected to rise from 366 million in 2011 to 552 million by 2030. Even more startling is the fact that approximately three new cases will be diagnosed every 10 seconds or almost 10 million per year.
The United States, with an estimated 23.7 million people, has the highest number of people with diabetes followed by Mexico, Canada and Haiti. The United States also has one of the highest number of deaths due to diabetes of any country in the world (180,000).
According to the report, as many as 183 million people are unaware that they have diabetes, and 80% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries. Data also revealed 78,000 children develop type 1 diabetes every year; and the greatest number of people with diabetes are between 40-59 years of age.
In some of the poorest regions in the world such as Africa, where infectious diseases have traditionally been the focus of health care systems, diabetes cases are expected to increase by 90% by 2030. At least 78% of people in Africa are undiagnosed and do not know they are living with diabetes.
“In every country and in every community worldwide, we are losing the battle against this cruel and deadly disease" said IDF President Jean Claude Mbanya. “We want World Diabetes Day 2011 to bring these alarming diabetes facts into the global spotlight. We demand that public and world leaders act on diabetes now."
The release of these figures follow the September meeting of 193 Heads of State and government at the UN High Level Meeting in New York to agree on a Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including diabetes. This marks a major milestone for diabetes and other NCDs. However in some areas stronger commitments are needed.
“World leaders have recognized the magnitude and impact of these diseases and the urgent need for action. In some key areas we wanted stronger commitments and targets but the Declaration will accelerate international progress on diabetes and NCDs, saving millions of people from preventable death and disability" said Ann Keeling, CEO, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Chair of the NCD Alliance.
