Diabetes Atlas should ‘spark action’ 

BRUSSELS – Nearly one in nine adults are now living with diabetes globally, and of these, an estimated 252 million are not yet aware they have the condition, placing them at higher risk of serious complications and early death, according to the International Diabetes Federation’s new Diabetes Atlas. 

"The new data provides strong evidence that should spark action and promote initiatives to improve the lives of the many millions now living with diabetes and encourage more to detect diabetes in those at risk," said Professor Dianna Magliano, who chairs the IDF Diabetes Atlas Committee along with Professor Edward Boyko. 

First published in 2000, the Diabetes Atlas offers insights into the impact of diabetes at national, regional, and global levels, based on the best available evidence. The 11th edition reflects new methodologies that incorporate trends in health expenditure, regional prevalence rates, and a focus on undiagnosed diabetes. 

Other findings from the Diabetes Atlas, which was released at the IDF’s World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand: 

• 589 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes globally, more than the population of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean combined. 
• The estimated number of adults with diabetes is projected to reach 853 million by 2050. 
• 3 in 4 adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 
• Diabetes is responsible for over 3.4 million deaths annually. 
• 1 in 8 adults are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 
• 1.8 million children and young adults under 20 are living with Type 1 diabetes. 

As the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise, the Diabetes Atlas emphasizes the urgent need for improved prevention, early detection and intervention to tackle the burden diabetes places on individuals, communities, health systems and economies. In 2024, global diabetes-related health expenditure surpassed $1 trillion for the first time, up from $966 billion in 2021. 

• To read the Diabetes Atlas in full, go here.