Diabetes Likely To Affect 1.3 Billion People By 2050: New Lancet Study

New Delhi: The global burden of diabetes is expected to cross 1 billion by 2050, according to a new study by Lancet. “Our study included more than 27,000 data sources to produce estimates of diabetes prevalence, disability, and deaths for 204 countries and territories from 1990 through 2021. Using a modeling tool that takes into account sociodemographic factors and obesity, we projected diabetes prevalence out to 2050,” researchers have told The Conversation.

Type 2 diabetes​

The study has found that of the two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes will be higher in the next three decades. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where the body cannot produce insulin and it is seen in children mostly. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where there is a gradual insulin resistance and this is commonly seen in adults; this is a preventable disease.

High risk of stroke

There is a need to be careful about this prediction of diabetes because of the several complications that are associated with it. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease, stroke, loss of vision, and foot ulcers. Due to a lack of awareness and lack of proper treatment, many people succumb to these complications making it extremely important to learn about this estimation.

Why do we have diabetes?

As per the study, the two common factors that increase the risk of diabetes are age and obesity. “Major behavioural shifts and changes in food systems contributing to high BMI include greater availability of shelf-stable and high-calorie products; limited financial and proximal access to healthy food options; increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and fat, sugar, and animal products; and reductions in physical activity related to global work and transportation trends,” the researchers pointed out.

How to identify prediabetes

Prediabetes is when a person is not diabetic but is likely to be soon. Off late, researchers have been emphasising on prediabetes and its role in reducing the risk of diabetes. “Apart from some genetic factors, lifestyle factors may lead to prediabetes and diabetes. They include diet, exercise and general activity, sleep, and stress. Weight gain and obesity play an important role,” to Dr Rahul Baxi, Consultant Diabetologist, Bombay Hospital was quoted as saying by Times of India. Consumption of excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates, sugar in food and drinks, juices, ultra-processed foods are unhealthy diet habits that increase the risk of diabetes.

What can we do?

Globally, health agencies and experts are urging in unison to adopt healthy lifestyles. “High-risk individuals should be encouraged to increase their fibre intake and consume whole grain foods. One should aim to reduce long sedentary hours and take small breaks instead of sitting for long hours, regular activity like walking should be added to the daily routine,” Dr Baxi suggested.

WHO recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day and urges people to keep a healthy body weight.

People should also be careful of the common symptoms of diabetes which are: feeling thirsty, fatigue, losing weight unintentionally, vision loss, and frequent urination.