PriMera Scientific Medicine and Public Health (ISSN: 2833-5627)

Editorial Note

Volume 7 Issue 4

Diabetes: A Mounting Global Public Health Crisis

Vinay Singh*

October 04, 2025

DOI : 10.56831/PSMPH-07-246

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus represents one of the most formidable global health challenges of the 21st century. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 589 million adults aged 20-79 years were living with diabetes in 2024, with projections reaching 853 million by 2050 [1].

The hidden burden of undiagnosed diabetes is equally alarming. Approximately 43% of adults with diabetes 252 million individuals remain unaware of their condition [1]. This burden disproportionately affects low and middle income countries (LMICs), which account for 81% of the global diabetes population [1].

The economic implications are staggering. Global healthcare expenditure attributed to diabetes exceeded USD 1.015 trillion in 2024 [1]. The World Health Organization estimates that diabetes and diabetes-related kidney disease resulted in over 2 million deaths in 2021, with hyperglycemia contributing to approximately 11% of all cardiovascular deaths globally [2].

Drivers of the Global Epidemic
Several interconnected factors fuel this crisis

  • Urbanization and sedentary lifestyles: Reduced physical activity from motorized transport and desk-based work.
  • Dietary transitions: Traditional diets replaced by energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods driven by aggressive marketing [3].
  • Obesity epidemic: The most significant modifiable risk factor, with rising childhood obesity particularly concerning [4].
  • Population aging: Increased life expectancy extends diabetes risk exposure.
  • Social determinants: Poverty, poor education, and weak healthcare systems amplify disease burden [5].

Evidence-Based Public Health Priorities
Primary Prevention

Prevention remains the most cost-effective strategy. Evidence-based interventions include taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages, restrictions on unhealthy food marketing, and urban planning promoting active transportation [4].

Enhanced Screening and Early Detection

With nearly half of diabetes cases undiagnosed [1], expanding access to systematic screening is critical. Digital health innovations offer promising approaches to extend healthcare reach in underserved populations [2, 5].

Universal Access to Essential Therapeutics

Despite insulin's century-old discovery, this life-saving medication remains inaccessible for millions globally. The WHO's recent inclusion of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the Essential Medicines List (2025) represents significant progress [6].

Health System Integration

Effective diabetes care must be integrated within primary healthcare systems rather than restricted to specialized centers. This ensures care continuity and improved cost-effectiveness [5].

Addressing Health Inequities

Comprehensive strategies must address fundamental causes of health inequity, including access to education, safe environments for physical activity, and affordable nutritious foods [5].

Conclusion

The global diabetes epidemic threatens to overwhelm healthcare systems and reverse decades of health progress. Effective response demands comprehensive multisectoral collaboration: evidence-based government policies, healthcare provider focus on prevention and early detection, continued research innovation, and meaningful community engagement.

While diabetes remains preventable and manageable, current trajectories indicate that inaction will exact enormous human and economic costs. Through decisive action prioritizing prevention, ensuring equity, and establishing universal access to care, this crisis can be addressed. The time for action is now.

Key Messages

  • Diabetes affects 589 million people worldwide in 2024, projected to reach 853 million by 2050.
  • Nearly 43% of cases remain undiagnosed, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Global health spending on diabetes surpassed USD 1 trillion in 2024.
  • Prevention, early detection, affordable medicines (including insulin and GLP-1 drugs), and stronger primary care systems are critical to reversing the trend.
  • Equity-focused policies addressing social determinants of health are essential to reduce disparities and ensure global progress.

References

  1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 11th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation (2024). https://diabetesatlas.org
  2. World Health Organization. Diabetes Fact Sheet. Geneva: WHO (2023). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
  3. NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). “Worldwide trends in diabetes since 1980: a pooled analysis of 751 population-based studies”. Lancet 387.10027 (2016): 1513-1530.
  4. Malik VS and Hu FB. “Global obesity: trends, risk factors and policy implications”. Nat Rev Endocrinol 18.7 (2022): 467-478.
  5. Bommer C., et al. “Global economic burden of diabetes in adults: projections from 2015 to 2030”. Diabetes Care 41.5 (2018): 963-970.
  6. World Health Organization. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd List. Geneva: WHO (2025).