One in Ten Adults Will Live with Diabetes in 2030

One adult in every ten will have diabetes by 2030 if current trends continue, according to the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) 5th edition of Diabetes Atlas. That's an increase from 366 million diabetics in 2011 to 552 million by 2030--about three new cases every ten seconds or almost 10 million a year.

“In every country and in every community worldwide, we are losing the battle against this cruel and deadly disease,” said Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the IDF. “We demand that public and world leaders act on diabetes now.”

About 183 million people have undiagnosed diabetes, according to IDF estimates. The problem is most urgent in Africa, where at least 78 percent of people do not realize they are living with the disease. By 2030, diabetes diagnoses in Africa will increase by 90 percent.

The IDF publication also reports that 80 percent of all diabetics live in low- to middle-income countries. The highest percentage of people living with diabetes is in the 40 to 59 year old age range.

In September, 193 world leaders at the UN High Level Meeting agreed to include diabetes to its Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

“World leaders have recognized the magnitude and impact of these diseases and the urgent need for action,” said Ann Keeling, CEO of the IDF. “In some key areas, we want stronger commitments and targets but the Declaration will accelerate international progress on diabetes and NCDs, saving millions of people from preventable death and disability.”

In the United States, some 8.3 percent of people of all ages live with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 27 percent of those people, or 7 million Americans, do not know they have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all cases.

In a 2010 study, CDC estimated that one in three adults in the United States will have diabetes by 2050 if no urgent action is taken. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include advanced age, obesity, a family history of diabetes, developing diabetes while pregnant, a sedentary lifestyle, and race/ethnicity.

Sources: International Diabetes Foundation, Centers for Disease Control

photo by John Nyboer