Diabetes at a Glance – Global 2025

What is Diabetes?

● A chronic condition where blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high.
● Occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it properly.
● Can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels if unmanaged.

Global Numbers – 2025

● 589 million adults (ages 20–79) are living with diabetes worldwide about 1 in 9 adults.
● That number is projected to rise to 853 million by 2050.
● 252 million adults (≈43% of people with diabetes) are undiagnosed and unaware of their condition.
● Diabetes causes over 3.4 million deaths annually about one every 9 seconds.

Types of Diabetes

● Type 1: Autoimmune condition requiring lifelong insulin.
● Type 2: Most common form; linked to lifestyle, age, and genetics.
● Gestational: Develops during pregnancy, increasing later risk of type 2.

Why This Matters

● Most people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries (≈80%).
● Many people do not know they have diabetes delaying treatment and increasing risk of complications.
● Without action, diabetes prevalence and its health burden will continue to rise globally.

Managing & Preventing Diabetes

● Diabetes management can prevent or delay serious complications.
● Key strategies include:
✔ Healthy eating
✔ Regular physical activity
✔ Weight control
✔ Regular blood glucose checks
✔ Timely medical care and education

Sources:

● World Health Organization (WHO)
● International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
● NIH.GOV