22 Aug 2024
Diabetes: The Impact of the Epidemic
The article, written by Dr. Wiam Hussein, discusses the global impact of diabetes as a growing epidemic. Currently, 250 million people worldwide are diagnosed with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 380 million within the next 20 years. The article highlights that diabetes causes 3.8 million deaths annually, with 80% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
By 2025, the spread of diabetes is expected to increase significantly, particularly in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia, with an estimated 8% increase. The article points out that the rise in type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to the global increase in obesity. According to recent reports from the World Health Organization, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is expected to rise by 58% worldwide, largely due to obesity.
The article also addresses the increasing incidence of diabetes among children and adolescents, which is becoming a major concern despite the lower number of type 1 cases compared to adults. Factors contributing to this trend include obesity, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits. Dr. Hussein emphasizes the importance of addressing these risk factors through early intervention and lifestyle changes to prevent the further spread of diabetes, particularly among younger populations.