Prevalence and Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a major health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly, with an estimated 463 million people diagnosed with the condition in 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that this number will rise to 578 million by 2030.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes accounts for around 5-10% of all cases of diabetes and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a deficiency in insulin.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90-95% of all cases of diabetes and is usually diagnosed in adults, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet.

Other types of diabetes include gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery, and monogenic diabetes, which is caused by mutations in a single gene and usually appears before the age of 25.

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, with an estimated 422 million people living with the condition in 2019. This is largely due to the increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity, which are major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a range of complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and blindness. However, with proper management, many people with diabetes are able to lead healthy, active lives.