Diabetes is a major global health concern, considering the mortality, morbidity and health expenditure associated with it. The burden of diabetes is increasing globally, and this is linked to the demographic transition (ageing of the population), lifestyle changes (sedentary lifestyles, nutritional transition and urbanization) and obesity.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 1 in 11 adults (425 million) have diabetes, and 1 in 2 remain undiagnosed (212 million). While that is mainly Type 2 diabetes, a further over 1 million children and adolescents have Type 1 diabetes. The IDF diabetes 2017 atlas can be found here. Both Type I and Type 2 diabetes are increasing in incidence rapidly but disproportionately in all parts the world. Low income settings encounter more rapid increase in diabetes. All the people living with diabetes are at risk of DR.
The prevalence of DR closely models the prevalence of diabetes. The burden of visual impairment and blindness from DR has been increasing in the last two decades. Studies have shown that a third of people with diabetes (whether diagnosed or undiagnosed) have DR. They need to be identified and regularly monitored. 1 in 10 of those with DR have sight-threatening DR, which means they are at immediate risk of vision loss. They need treatment. 1-2% of these already have severe vision loss and require rehabilitation.
Your take:
- How many people are living with diabetes in your country? Find the latest data here.
Comment on how prepared you think your country is for the predicted increase in diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in the next decade.
© Nyawira Mwangi
Control of Diabetic Retinopathy 