Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels.

– World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 — the birthday of Frederick Banting, one of the discoverers of insulin in 1922.

World Diabetes Day – It was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and in 2006 it became an official UN day (Resolution 61/225).

World Diabetes Day – Goal: to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue and to draw attention to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

·       Current statistics and trends

Here are key figures and facts worth noting:

§ Key indicators

∙ According to IDF, in 2024: 11.1% of the adult population (aged 20–79) is living with diabetes.

International Diabetes Federation

∙ Projections show that by 2050 the number of adults with diabetes may reach approximately 853 million.

International Diabetes Federation

∙ About 81% of all adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.

Diabetes Atlas

∙ A new study (NCD-RisC + WHO) shows that in 2022 the prevalence of diabetes among adults approached 14% (up from ~7% in 1990) — meaning it has doubled in about 30 years.

International Diabetes Federation

∙ According to IDF estimates, around 252 million adults (≈43%) with diabetes are unaware of their condition.

Diabetes Atlas

Consequences and burden

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower-limb amputations.

UN

∙ In the European region: according to WHO data for 2019, more than 186,000 deaths were caused by diabetes.

World Health Organization

∙ Economic burden: in many countries, diabetes-related expenses account for a significant share of healthcare costs. For example, according to IDF, global diabetes expenditures in 2024 exceeded 1 trillion USD.

Diabetes Atlas

∙ Regional specifics

∙ In the Eastern Mediterranean region: 73 million adults have diabetes (≈1 in 6), and the number is expected to rise to 136 million by 2045.

∙ Low-income regions are experiencing the fastest growth, with access to treatment and diagnosis significantly worse than in high-income countries.

International Diabetes Federation

Why is the number of diabetes cases increasing?

Urbanization, population aging, reduced physical activity, and rising obesity — all contribute to the growth of type 2 diabetes (≈ >90% of all cases).

International Diabetes Federation

∙ Insufficient diagnosis and treatment: many people live with diabetes without knowing it, increasing their risk of complications.

∙ Socio-economic and healthcare barriers: in low- and middle-income countries, late diagnosis and poor disease control are more common.

Key directions in prevention and control:

Ø Maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Ø Regular screening of blood glucose, HbA1c, lipids, blood pressure, and examinations for complications (eyes, kidneys, feet).

Ø Ensuring equal access to diagnosis, treatment, insulin, and self-monitoring, especially for people with type 1 diabetes.

World Health Organization

Ø Theme of the 2024 campaign

Theme: “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps” — highlighting the need for collective action to improve prevention, diagnosis, and diabetes care.

Interesting facts:

∞     Almost half of adults with diabetes do not know they have the disease.

∞     More than 4 out of 5 adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.

∞     The prevalence of diabetes among adults has roughly doubled from 1990 to 2024.

∞     Even when diabetes is diagnosed, glycemic and blood pressure control targets are often not met — increasing the risk of complications.

What you can do right now:

1.    If you haven’t been screened yet: check fasting glucose, HbA1c, weight, and blood pressure.

2.    Incorporate daily physical activity: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

3.    Focus your diet on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and reduce sugar, salt, and saturated fats.

4.    Important: pay attention to prevention — even with prediabetes, progression can be prevented.

5.    Support the health of your family members — especially if there is a family history of diabetes.

Treatment and diagnosis of diabetes in medical centers of Astana:

1.    “Diabetes Mellitus” program at the National Scientific Medical Center WhatsApp: +7 702 094 77 73.

2.    Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes at “Medi-Art” medical center +7 (747) 702-15-21, +7 (707) 122-15-21.

3.    Diabetic Foot Center of the MC UDP RK Hospital — Call Center, phone number for international patients: +7 701 534 95 88.

4.    Diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy at “ASTANA VISION” +7 747 090-53-01.