More Than 250 Million Individuals Unaware They Have Diabetes

It has been estimated that nearly 589 million individuals are living with diabetes globally, with more than 250 million being unaware they have it.¹ These findings are from the 11th edition of the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF’s) Diabetes Atlas, released today at the start of the World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.

Nearly 1 in 9 adults are living with diabetes, according to new research by the International Diabetes Federation. | Image credit: Vitalii Vodolazskyi - stock.adobe.com

This poses significant health implications for those who are unaware of their diabetes, placing them at higher risk of serious complications and early death.

"The new data provides strong evidence that should spark action and promote initiatives to improve the lives of the many millions now living with diabetes and encourage more to detect diabetes in those at risk,” said Dianna Magliano, PhD, cochair of the IDF Diabetes Atlas Committee, in a statement.

With the rate of diabetes continuing to rise, the IDF emphasized the importance of early intervention and prevention measures to address this burden. The risk is even greater among underserved communities, with one study finding that Hispanic and Latino communities have increased diabetes and hypertension risks in the US, driven by acculturation and socioeconomic factors like education level.²

The report finds that globally, diabetes has become a staggering public health challenge, with 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 years currently living with the condition, which is more than the combined population of the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.¹ This number is expected to soar to 853 million by 2050. Alarmingly, 3 of 4 adults with diabetes reside in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting significant global health inequities.

Diabetes is also a major contributor to mortality, accounting for more than 3.4 million deaths each year. In addition, 1 in 8 adults is at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, underscoring the urgent need for prevention and early intervention strategies. Meanwhile, 1.8 million children and young adults under age 20 are living with type 1 diabetes, adding to the burden on families and health systems worldwide.

Diabetes also has a harmful economic impact on individuals and health systems, according to the IDF Diabetes Atlas. For the first time, global diabetes-related health expenditure surpassed $1 trillion in 2024, surpassing $966 billion in 2021.

It also has significant compounding health complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, nerve damage, and loss of vision. Individuals with type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases, are at 84% higher risk of heart failure than people who do not have the condition.

"The findings underscore an urgent need for bolder national and global action to tackle diabetes,” IDF’s president Peter Schwarz said in the statement. “With over 4 in every 10 people with diabetes not yet diagnosed, governments must prioritize screening, early diagnosis, and education. Addressing the rising tide of diabetes will demand collaboration across multiple sectors and disciplines. Governments, the health care sector, education, technology and the private sectors all have a role to play. The consequences of ignoring or not paying sufficient attention to the diabetes challenge are too significant. Inaction in the face of this pandemic is not an option."

References

1. Over 250 million people worldwide unaware they have diabetes, according to new research from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). IDF. News release. April 7, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/over-250-million-people-worldwide-unaware-they-have-diabetes-according-to-new-research-from-the-international-diabetes-federation-idf-302419968.html

2. Santoro C. Diabetes risk driven by economic disparity in Hispanic, Latino communities. AJMC. March 28, 2025. Accessed April 7, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/diabetes-risk-driven-by-economic-disparity-in-hispanic-latino-communities