New research predicts that the number of people worldwide suffering from diabetes will more than double to 1.3 billion by 2050.
The study attributes this increase to structural racism and inequality between countries. According to the analysis, every country will experience a rise in the number of diabetes patients. Currently, approximately 529 million people have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for 95 per cent of cases.
Factors contributing to the increase in diabetes cases include high body mass index, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The research also highlights widening inequality, with three-quarters of adults with diabetes projected to live in low- and middle-income countries by 2045.
Even in wealthy countries like the United States, diabetes rates are disproportionately higher among minorities. The study suggests that social factors such as residential segregation and limited access to healthy food and healthcare services contribute to these disparities.
The research calls for long-term planning, investment, and global attention to effectively combat the rising burden of diabetes.