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Global Prevalence of Diabetes

As of 2000, the prevalence of diabetes worldwide with ages ranging from 0 to 19 was estimated to be approximately less than a million. The worldwide population with age ranging from 20 to 44 was estimated to be around 34 million, while those whose age ranges from 45 to 64 was estimated to be around 83 million, and finally, the population with age 65 and above was approximated to be more or less 54 million. When the worldwide population is divided into two categories, i.e., the developed countries’ population and the developing countries’ population, a change in the trend will be seen.

As of 2000, the prevalence of diabetes in developing countries was approximately 29 million for ages ranging from 20 to 44, 59 million for ages ranging from 45 to 64, and 28 million for ages ranging 65 and above. In the case of the developing countries, it is clear that those whose age range from 20 to 44, or in other words, those who are able to work but are not yet on the retiring age, have been reported to have the highest case of diabetes worldwide. This can be attributed to their ability to purchase more foods, which could be most often, have very high caloric content. This prevalence can also be attributed to the unhealthful lifestyle (the major cause of Type 2 diabetes) practiced by people with age 20 to 44.

In the case of developed countries, the ratio of diabetes prevalence for age ranging from 20 to 44 is approximately 5 million, while it is 24 million for age ranging from 45 to 64, and 26 million for ages 65 and above. This change in the trend is attributed to the increased health awareness of the younger population.

All these estimates were projected to be more than double by 2030, regardless whether other factors affecting the prevalence of diabetes, such as obesity, remains constant or not. The worldwide ratio of men and women suffering diabetes is almost equal, although the number of men having diabetes was only slightly higher than that of women on all range of ages. The trend for diabetes prevalence may be similar for the worldwide population and the developing countries’ population, but this is merely because the developing countries, in general, are more populated than the developed countries.