## Global Diabetes Prevalence **Key Point:** The IDF Diabetes Atlas (2021) reports that approximately 10.5% of the global adult population (537 million people) aged 20–79 years have diabetes mellitus, making it one of the leading non-communicable diseases worldwide. ### Epidemiological Context **High-Yield:** This figure includes both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes. Approximately 50% of people with diabetes are unaware of their diagnosis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ### Regional Variation | Region | Prevalence (%) | Key Feature | | --- | --- | --- | | Southeast Asia | 10.2–12.5 | Rapid increase due to urbanization | | Western Pacific | 9.5–11.2 | Highest absolute numbers | | Middle East & North Africa | 13.1–15.8 | Highest regional prevalence | | Europe | 7.2–8.9 | Aging population | | Americas | 8.5–10.1 | Mixed development status | **Clinical Pearl:** India is home to approximately 74 million people with diabetes (2021), the second-highest globally after China, driven by rapid urbanization, dietary changes, and genetic susceptibility in South Asian populations. ### Projected Trends **Mnemonic: RAPID** — Rising prevalence in Asia, Aging populations, Prevalence doubling by 2045, Increasing obesity, Developing nations most affected. By 2045, the IDF projects diabetes prevalence will affect approximately 12% of the global adult population (783 million people), with the greatest increase in LMICs.
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