Diabetes Prevalence
Diabetes Prevalence Worldwide in 2024
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease marked by high levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar, which can cause severe long-term damage to vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It is primarily classified into two major types: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form, accounting for the majority of cases, particularly among adults. It occurs when the body either becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Over the past 30 years, type 2 diabetes has risen sharply in countries of all income levels, driven by factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.
Type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, is less common but equally significant. This autoimmune condition involves the pancreas producing little to no insulin, making lifelong insulin therapy crucial for survival.
The growing diabetes prevalence is alarming, with approximately 422 million people worldwide affected, most of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, diabetes is directly responsible for 1.5 million deaths each year, and the number of cases continues to climb. This trend underscores the importance of access to affordable treatments, such as insulin, to help manage the disease.
Addressing the global diabetes prevalence requires urgent public health action. The World Health Organization has set a global target to halt the rise in both diabetes and obesity by 2025. However, achieving this goal will depend on improving healthcare access, promoting healthier lifestyles, and raising awareness about the risks and management of diabetes.
Diabetes Prevalence in Pakistan: A Growing Public Health Crisis
Diabetes prevalence is the most significant public health challenges in Pakistan. The country currently ranks third globally in diabetes prevalence, behind only China and India. In 2022, the International Diabetes Federation estimated that 26.7% of adults in Pakistan were affected by diabetes, translating to over 33 million cases.
This rapid increase reflects a disturbing trend, as the prevalence of diabetes in the country was 11.77% in 2016, rising to 17.1% in 2019. The surge in cases, particularly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is overwhelming the nation’s already strained healthcare system and posing an economic burden.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to the diabetes prevalence in Pakistan, with obesity, urbanization, and sedentary lifestyles being among the leading causes. Rapid urban migration has resulted in a shift from active rural life to sedentary urban living.
This, combined with the increased consumption of processed foods high in sugar and fat, has led to widespread obesity, which is a major risk factor for diabetes. According to the World Health Organization’s Asia-Pacific criteria, 57.9% of Pakistanis are considered obese, and 73.1% have central obesity, conditions that are closely linked to diabetes.
Women in Pakistan face particularly high obesity rates, with 58% of women classified as obese compared to 42% of men. The prevalence of diabetes is also more prominent in urban areas, where 15.1% of the population is diabetic, compared to 1.6% in rural areas. This urban-rural divide reflects not only differences in lifestyle but also access to healthcare and awareness of the disease.
Challenges in Accessing Healthcare
The healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan struggles to keep up with the growing number of diabetes patients. In rural areas, healthcare services are limited, and many people lack access to essential diabetes treatments such as insulin.
With many individuals earning less than $3 a day, the cost of managing diabetes is prohibitive for a large portion of the population. As a result, complications from untreated or poorly managed diabetes, such as kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, and amputations due to diabetic foot, are becoming increasingly common.
Government Initiatives and Public Health Programs
In response to the diabetes epidemic, the Government of Pakistan has implemented several programs aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of the disease. The National Action Plan for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Control, and Health Promotion (NAP-NCD) is one such initiative.
It focuses on risk factor control, surveillance, and the capacity building of healthcare professionals through continuing medical education (CME) programs. However, these efforts are often limited by inadequate funding, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and a lack of trained medical personnel in rural areas.
The government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also emphasized public awareness campaigns, with World Diabetes Day on November 14 serving as a key opportunity to spread information about prevention and management. The Pakistan Diabetes Leadership Forum is another platform working to address the country’s diabetes challenges.
Prevention and Future Outlook
While treatment remains critical, preventing diabetes prevalence through lifestyle changes is essential to curbing its rapid rise in Pakistan. Public health initiatives must focus on promoting physical activity, encouraging healthier diets, and reducing sugar intake among children and adults alike.
The government must also take steps to improve public spaces, such as parks and playgrounds, that encourage exercise and discourage sedentary behavior. Schools should be involved in this effort by incorporating health education and fitness programs into their curriculums.
Given the trajectory of diabetes prevalence in Pakistan, immediate and coordinated action is necessary. Efforts to educate the public, improve healthcare accessibility, and promote healthier lifestyles will play a crucial role in combating this growing epidemic. Though the challenge is immense, effective intervention now could significantly reduce the future burden on Pakistan’s healthcare system and economy.
