Type 1 diabetes statistics worldwide
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Global Statistics on Type 1 Diabetes
Incidence Rates of Type 1 Diabetes Worldwide
The incidence of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is increasing globally, affecting both high and low incidence populations. A comprehensive analysis of data from 37 studies across 27 countries revealed an average annual increase in incidence of 3.0%. This trend is consistent across various regions, with significant increases observed in 24 out of 37 populations studied.
From 2000 to 2022, the global incidence rate (IR) of T1D in children and adolescents under 20 years of age was estimated at 14.07 per 100,000 person-years. Notably, Finland and high-income North America reported the highest IRs, with 56.81 and 28.77 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence rate increased to 24.84 per 100,000 person-years, although this rise was not statistically significant compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes
The prevalence of T1D is also on the rise. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 9th edition estimated that there are 600,900 prevalent cases in children under 15 years and 1,110,100 cases in those under 20 years worldwide. The highest prevalence rates are found in Europe and North America, with Europe accounting for 129,000 cases and North America for 108,700 cases in children under 15 years.
A systematic review and meta-analysis reported a global prevalence rate of 9.5% for T1D, indicating a significant increase over the years. This rise in prevalence is attributed to both an increase in incidence rates and improved survival rates due to better management and treatment options .
Regional Variations in Type 1 Diabetes
There is considerable variation in the incidence and prevalence of T1D across different regions. For instance, the incidence rates range from as low as 0.1 per 100,000 per year in China and Venezuela to as high as 36.8 per 100,000 per year in Sardinia and Finland. This represents a more than 350-fold variation in incidence among different populations worldwide.
In Europe, the incidence rates vary significantly, with northern European countries like Finland and Sweden reporting the highest rates, while southern European countries like Greece report much lower rates. Similarly, in Asia, the incidence rates are generally lower compared to Europe and North America.
Future Projections
The global prevalence of T1D is projected to double by 2040, driven by increasing incidence rates and improved survival. High-income countries, which account for 17% of the global population, currently represent 49% of global incident cases and 52% of prevalent cases. Asia, with the largest proportion of the world’s population, has the highest number of incident and prevalent cases, accounting for 32% and 31% respectively.
Conclusion
The incidence and prevalence of Type 1 diabetes are increasing worldwide, with significant regional variations. High-income countries and regions like Europe and North America report the highest rates, while lower rates are observed in Asia and South America. The global prevalence is expected to double by 2040, highlighting the need for improved management and prevention strategies to address this growing public health challenge.
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