The global epidemics of diabetes in the 21st century: Current situation and perspectives

Diabetes is on the rise worldwide, with a global prevalence in adults in 2017 being 8.8% of the world population, with the anticipation of a further increase to 9.9% by 2045. In total numbers, this reflects a population of 424.9 million people with diabetes worldwide in 2017, with an estimate of a 48% increase to 628.6 million people by 2045. Depending on age, global diabetes prevalence is about 5%, 10%, 15% and close to 20%, respectively, for the age groups 35-39, 45-49, 55-59 and 65-69 years. On a global scale, diabetes hits particularly 'middle aged' people between 40 and 59 years, which causes serious economic and social implications. Furthermore, diabetes affects especially low and middle income…