According to a recent study published in The Lancet, the global cases of Type 1 diabetes are projected to double from approximately 8.4 million to 17.4 million by 2040. The study provides specific data on the current national diabetes situation in 201 countries, including Germany. The German Diabetes Society (DDG) warns that this increase in cases is a wake-up call for national healthcare systems and calls for more investment in diabetes care and prevention.
The DDG has been warning for years that the hidden diabetes pandemic will have dramatic effects on the German healthcare system. With a doubling of global cases, the DDG President, Professor Dr. med. Andreas Neu, states that this will present global healthcare systems with enormous challenges. The authors of the study aim to raise awareness and address the need for political action to address the increasing demand for diabetes expertise and care.
The study used a Markov model to estimate case numbers, new cases, and mortality rates of Type 1 diabetes in 201 countries. This study provides information to countries that previously lacked diabetes data, allowing them to gain a better understanding of their situation and make informed healthcare decisions. The study results also reveal that over 422,000 people in Germany now have Type 1 diabetes and shows that more and more people are receiving this diagnosis in adulthood.
In some countries, a diabetes diagnosis means an early death, particularly in low-income countries with limited access to information and poor healthcare infrastructure. This highlights the importance of a country’s wealth and healthcare infrastructure, which includes reliable diagnostics, access to insulin, and qualified personnel.
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