Over 250 million people worldwide unaware they have diabetes, according to new research from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)

From finance.yahoo.com

New estimates from the IDF Diabetes Atlas highlight the growing diabetes threat, with nearly one in nine adults now living with the condition.

BRUSSELS, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Globally, nearly one in nine adults (589 million) are now living with diabetes. Of these, an estimated 252 million are not yet aware they have the condition, placing them at higher risk of serious complications and early death. Many will be diagnosed when they already have one or more of the associated complications and have missed opportunities to prevent or delay their onset. These alarming findings are from the 11th edition of the International Diabetes Federation's Diabetes Atlas, released today at the start of the organisation's World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.

                                                                      International Diabetes Federation Logo

The latest IDF estimates show that:

• 589 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes globally, more than the population of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean combined.

• The estimated number of adults with diabetes is projected to reach 853 million by 2050.

• 3 in 4 adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

• Diabetes is responsible for over 3.4 million deaths annually.

• 1 in 8 adults are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• 1.8 million children and young adults under 20 are living with type 1 diabetes.

As the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise, the latest IDF Diabetes Atlas emphasises the urgent need for improved prevention, early detection and intervention to tackle the burden diabetes places on individuals, communities, health systems and economies. In 2024, global diabetes-related health expenditure surpassed one trillion US dollars for the first time, up from $966 billion in 2021.

First published in 2000, the IDF Diabetes Atlas offers insights into the impact of diabetes at national, regional, and global levels, based on the best available evidence. The 11th edition reflects new methodologies that incorporate trends in health expenditure, regional prevalence rates, and a focus on undiagnosed diabetes.

Commenting on the new edition, Professor Dianna Magliano, who co-Chairs the IDF Diabetes Atlas Committee along with Professor Edward Boyko, said: "The new data provides strong evidence that should spark action and promote initiatives to improve the lives of the many millions now living with diabetes and encourage more to detect diabetes in those at risk." Professor Boyko added: "Addressing the rising trend will require greater awareness, a focus on prevention and ongoing surveillance of diabetes prevalence to support accurate monitoring of the global diabetes impact."

Diabetes is associated with serious complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, nerve damage and loss of vision. The latest data shows that people living with type 2 diabetes, which accounts for over 90% of all diabetes, are at 84% higher risk of heart failure than people who do not have the condition.

The International Diabetes Federation warns that the alarming rise in the prevalence of diabetes demands immediate action. Governments should invest in preventive healthcare programmes, especially in regions where diabetes is often undiagnosed, to detect people at high risk early and help delay or avoid the onset of diabetes and its related complications.

Speaking at the launch, IDF President Professor Peter Schwarz said: "The findings underscore an urgent need for bolder national and global action to tackle diabetes. With over 4 in every 10 people with diabetes not yet diagnosed, governments must prioritise screening, early diagnosis, and education. Addressing the rising tide of diabetes will demand collaboration across multiple sectors and disciplines. Governments, the healthcare sector, education, technology and the private sectors all have a role to play. The consequences of ignoring or not paying sufficient attention to the diabetes challenge are too significant. Inaction in the face of this pandemic is not an option."

To explore the global, regional and national findings presented in the IDF Diabetes Atlas 11th Edition, visit https://diabetesatlas.org/.

About the International Diabetes Federation

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organisation of over 240 national diabetes associations in more than 160 countries and territories. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and prevent diabetes in those at risk. www.idf.org.

About the IDF Diabetes Atlas

The IDF Diabetes Atlas is the authoritative resource on the global impact of diabetes. First published in 2000, it is produced by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in collaboration with a global committee of scientific experts. It contains statistics on diabetes prevalence, diabetes-related mortality and health expenditure at the global, regional and national levels. The 11th edition has been produced thanks to educational grants from Sanofi, Novo Nordisk and MSD. https://diabetesatlas.org/.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/over-250-million-people-worldwide-090000437.html

Reaching (and Maintaining) Type 2 Diabetes Remission Is More Doable Than You Think

From diatribe.org

New research shows that it’s possible to reverse type 2 diabetes or put it into remission through a low-calorie diet. We spoke with Dr. Roy Taylor, lead investigator of the DiRECT trial, to understand these findings and what they mean for people with type 2 diabetes.

Although type 2 diabetes is considered a progressive disease, there is a growing amount of research showing that weight loss can drive diabetes reversal or remission. 

New data from a study known as the Diabetes in Remission (DiRECT) trial found that nearly one in four people with type 2 diabetes was able to reverse their diabetes for up to five years through weight loss using a low-calorie diet. 

Defining diabetes remission

The term “diabetes remission” is often debated, and there are several definitions. At diaTribe and in the DiRECT trial, remission is defined as an A1C below 6.5% without needing to use any diabetes medications for at least two to three months.

Results of the Diabetes in Remission (DiRECT) trial

The DiRECT trial, which has been led by Dr. Roy Taylor, a professor of medicine and metabolism at the University of Newcastle School of Medicine in England, first gained attention in 2017. 

Initial results showed that weight loss using a low-calorie diet can help reverse type 2 diabetes. Almost half (46%) of DiRECT study participants remained in remission at one year, and over one-third (36%) achieved remission at two years. 

The trial’s weight loss program took place in primary care settings where no specialist appointments were needed. Participants received a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks in addition to education on how to incorporate healthy foods into their diet. Participants attended appointments every three months to review their weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Any person who regained weight was able to return to the low-calorie diet for one month. 

Recent results from an extension to the trial found an average weight loss of 13 pounds after five years, with 23% of participants maintaining remission for five years. Among those who were still in remission at five years, weight loss was about 20 pounds. Participants also saw improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar. 

We spoke to Taylor to better understand what these findings mean for people with type 2 diabetes.  

diaTribe: Can you explain the purpose of the DiRECT extension trial and the key findings? 

Taylor: The principal question to answer was whether people in remission at the end of the randomized controlled trial (two years) could maintain remission if weight regain was avoided. The answer to the principal question was a resounding yes. At five years, the extension group was still 13 pounds below their baseline weight, and 13% of the extension group was still free of diabetes. They had put on some weight, but far less than those who lost remission. 

Serious adverse events were 54% less common at five years in those randomized to weight loss. Contributing to this were fewer bacterial infections, strokes, and notably fewer cancers. 

diaTribe: Should everyone with type 2 diabetes ask their healthcare providers about achieving remission? 

Taylor: This is something that should be explained to everyone at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. They have a choice – lose around 30 pounds in weight by this proven and acceptable method or, alternatively, take medications and accept the risk of illness. 

Type 2 diabetes is a condition of having more fat than an individual can tolerate inside the liver and pancreas, as originally established by the Counterpoint study. The mechanisms underlying the reversal to non-diabetic glucose control were summarized in Diabetes Care review. 

In April 2023, NHS England announced that the method developed for the Counterpoint study had been so successful (24 pounds of weight loss in one year in several thousand people with diabetes) that it’s now being rolled out as a full NHS Programme for the whole of England. 

diaTribe: What advice do you have for people with type 2 diabetes who are hoping to achieve remission? 

Taylor: Write down why you want to escape from diabetes. It has to be worth the undoubted effort, and it helps to have something to remember if things get tough. Also, discuss your diet and what it will mean with your nearest and dearest, and your friends. Support from others is very helpful both during the weight loss phase and then the ongoing matter of avoiding weight regain.

diaTribe: What opportunities do you see for the field of type 2 diabetes remission going forward?

Taylor: A very large number of questions need to be answered. Documenting the improvement in kidney, heart, and vascular health will require large studies, although not as large as most drug studies.

diaTribe: What do we know about the relationship between diabetes remission and cancer? 

Taylor: In DiRECT at five years, there were eight cancers in the “best management” group and one in the weight loss group (by intention to treat). All types of cancers were known to be more common in heavier people. And the one cancer that occurred in the weight loss group was in a person who had dropped out of the study early on. 

Although the DiRECT extension study was not powered to detect individual serious health conditions, the effect size implied by these findings is huge. Further large follow-up studies are needed. As it will be possible to access all medical records in relation to the NHS England Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, the effect of weight loss in the population should be able to be determined in the future.

Final thoughts on diabetes remission

If you’re living with type 2 diabetes and are ready to think about remission, consider discussing the different ways to achieve it with your healthcare provider. It’s important to note that remission is easier to achieve for some people than others. The longer you’ve had type 2 diabetes, the harder it is to reach remission. 

You may want to discuss some of the following questions with your healthcare provider: 

• How likely is it that I will achieve remission of my T2D?
• How should we define remission for my diabetes?
• What dietary plan should I follow?
• What kind of support is available to me to help achieve remission?
• What is a reasonable goal and timeframe for me to achieve remission?
• How do I manage my diabetes medications and prescriptions during this time?

https://diatribe.org/understanding-diabetes/reaching-and-maintaining-type-2-diabetes-remission-more-doable-you-think 

When You Turn 50, This Is What Happens To Your Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

From healthdigest.com

Turning 50 can feel like a major milestone, where you start a new chapter where you're no longer considered a "young adult." At this stage, diet and exercise often shift from being about looking good in the latest trends to focusing on long-term health and well-being. If you're approaching 50 or have recently crossed that threshold, you might have noticed some changes in your body. Even if you've always been relatively healthy, this is the time when certain health conditions, like type 2 diabetes, become more common.

While type 2 diabetes is often linked to factors like weight gain, lack of physical activity, and genetics, MedlinePlus says that your risk rises after age 45. As you get older, your body becomes less responsive to insulin, and your pancreas (which produces insulin) doesn't function as efficiently. According to a 2012 report in Diabetes Care, this combination makes it harder to regulate blood sugar, increasing the likelihood of developing diabetes over time.

How aging affects diabetes risk

                                                                                  Fcafotodigital/Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nearly 19% of adults aged 45 to 64 have type 2 diabetes, and that number rises to 29% for those over 65. As people age, they tend to gain more belly fat, which can increase insulin resistance, according to a 2017 article in Menopause Review. Muscle loss also accelerates with age, leading to a slower metabolism. Additionally, aging can reduce the effectiveness of hormones that regulate blood sugar after meals, while higher cortisol levels may further impair the body's ability to use insulin. Insulin resistance typically worsens until around age 90, after which it begins to improve. Remarkably, those who reach 100 have a 50% lower prevalence of diabetes compared to younger seniors.

While high cholesterol is widely known as a risk factor for heart disease, it also plays a role in type 2 diabetes. A 2023 study in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity found that high triglyceride levels were linked to an increased risk of diabetes in older adults. Additionally, elevated total cholesterol levels were associated with a higher risk of prediabetes in middle-aged adults.

Lowering your risk of diabetes as you age

                                                                              Lwa/dann Tardif/Getty Images

Turning 50 doesn't mean that type 2 diabetes is inevitable. If you aren't regularly getting screenings for type 2 diabetes, a blood test can give you an idea of your blood sugar levels so you can track them as you age. This is especially important if you have high blood pressure, obesity, or a family member with type 2 diabetes. The CDC says about one-third of people in the United States have prediabetes, which is a blood sugar level that falls just below a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Because prediabetes doesn't have symptoms, 88% of people with prediabetes aren't aware.

Whether your blood sugar levels are normal or high, losing at least 5% of your body weight and aiming for 150 minutes of weekly exercise can help control your blood sugar. Rather than choose a fad diet that may be unsustainable in the long run, focus on eating a diet rich in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. These foods tend to be high in fibre to slow down digestion while helping you eat less. Your diet should also include healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon.

https://www.healthdigest.com/1825439/what-happens-to-diabetes-risk-turn-50-age/

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Realistic Patient Outcomes

From diabetesincontrol.com

Is preventing type 2 diabetes a realistic goal for high-risk patients? With the right interventions, many healthcare professionals believe the answer is yes. Preventing type 2 diabetes has become an increasingly actionable and data-driven objective, especially in clinical settings focused on population health.

This article examines how early intervention, practical lifestyle changes, and evidence-backed programs can drive long-term success in diabetes prevention. It also discusses the role of clinician support, patient education, and technology in shaping sustainable outcomes.

Table of Contents

• The Growing Urgency for Diabetes Prevention
• Lifestyle Modifications That Deliver Results
• Pharmacologic and Digital Interventions
• Clinician Strategies and Long-Term Support

The Growing Urgency for Diabetes Prevention

The CDC estimates that over 96 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes. Without intervention, as many as 70% may develop type 2 diabetes within ten years. These statistics highlight a major public health opportunity: the ability to prevent or delay progression through timely and personalized care.

Prediabetes, often silent and symptom-free, is best addressed through structured screening and risk assessments. Tools like the ADA Risk Test and A1C testing help identify those most at risk. Early identification enables clinicians to implement targeted strategies before irreversible metabolic changes occur.

Additionally, addressing risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and sedentary lifestyles is crucial. Prevention efforts are also increasingly focusing on underserved populations, where social determinants of health may increase diabetes susceptibility.

As more providers adopt value-based care models, preventing type 2 diabetes becomes a shared objective tied to quality metrics and long-term cost savings.

Lifestyle Modifications That Deliver Results

Lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of preventing type 2 diabetes. The landmark Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study showed that participants who achieved modest weight loss (5-7% of body weight) through diet and physical activity reduced their diabetes risk by 58%.

Nutritional counselling is essential. Patients benefit from individualized plans emphasizing whole foods, portion control, and glycaemic-friendly ingredients. Teaching practical strategies—like meal prepping and label reading—can improve adherence.

Meanwhile, increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and aid in weight control. Clinicians often recommend brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, adapted to patient preferences and mobility levels.

Behavioural support is equally important. Motivational interviewing, group coaching, and mobile health tools help patients stay committed to lifestyle changes. Providers can recommend evidence-based programs like the CDC-recognized National DPP.

Programs that integrate community support, telehealth, and multilingual education tend to yield better long-term adherence and outcomes.

Sources:

• Knowler WC et al., “Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin.” N Engl J Med. 2002.
• Diabetes in Control, “DPP Outcomes and Tools for Clinicians.”

Pharmacologic and Digital Interventions

In some cases, medication may be appropriate to support prevention. Metformin, commonly used for type 2 diabetes treatment, has shown efficacy in delaying onset among high-risk individuals, especially those under 60 with a BMI of 35 or greater.

Although lifestyle changes remain first-line, clinicians may consider pharmacologic options when adherence is difficult or metabolic risks are severe. Patient education is crucial to ensure medications are perceived as a supportive tool—not a replacement for behaviour change.

Digital therapeutics are also emerging as a powerful complement. Apps like Omada, Virta Health, and BlueStar offer structured programs, remote coaching, and tracking tools that support patients in real time.

Healthcare teams can recommend these tools as part of personalized care plans, especially when in-person visits are limited. Some programs offer health insurance integration, making them accessible to wider populations.

Pharma companies are partnering with digital health platforms to expand outreach and engagement. According to Diabetes in Control, pairing pharmacotherapy with digital support may improve long-term outcomes and boost cost-effectiveness.

Clinician Strategies and Long-Term Support

Clinicians play a central role in motivating and guiding patients toward diabetes prevention. However, sustainable change requires more than just one-time advice. Consistent follow-up, reinforcement, and collaborative goal-setting are essential.

Shared decision-making builds patient trust. By aligning medical recommendations with personal values and daily routines, providers can foster deeper engagement. This is especially important when addressing cultural or socioeconomic barriers to lifestyle change.

Care teams should also tap into support networks. Involving family members, community health workers, or diabetes educators increases accountability and emotional support. Clinicians can also refer patients to forums like Health.HealingWell.com, where they can connect with others facing similar challenges.

Screening for mental health factors—like stress, anxiety, and depression—is critical. These can significantly influence motivation and behaviour. Integrating behavioural health support into diabetes prevention improves outcomes across the board.

Ultimately, prevention is a long-term endeavour. Clinicians who maintain regular contact, use positive reinforcement, and offer diverse resources help patients sustain progress well beyond the initial intervention phase.

Sources:

• ADA Guidelines 2024
• Health Affairs, “Population Health and Value-Based Diabetes Prevention.”

Conclusion

Preventing type 2 diabetes is not only possible—it’s increasingly achievable with the right mix of early detection, lifestyle coaching, medication, and tech-enabled support. As healthcare professionals work to personalize and extend care beyond clinic walls, realistic patient outcomes are improving.

For clinicians, the key is creating adaptable, culturally sensitive, and collaborative plans. When prevention is seen as an ongoing partnership rather than a one-time directive, success becomes a shared outcome.

FAQs

What are the best ways to prevent type 2 diabetes?
Lifestyle changes—especially healthy eating, regular physical activity, and weight management—are the most effective strategies.

Is metformin approved for diabetes prevention?
While not FDA-approved for prevention, metformin is used off-label for high-risk patients and has proven efficacy in studies.

How much weight should a patient lose to reduce risk?
Losing 5–7% of body weight can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Can digital health tools help with diabetes prevention?
Yes. Apps offering coaching, meal tracking, and progress monitoring enhance engagement and support sustained behaviour change.

Where can patients find support and education?
Resources like Health.HealingWell.com provide forums and tools for patient education and community connection.

This content is not medical advice. For any health issues, always consult a healthcare professional.

https://www.diabetesincontrol.com/preventing-type-2-diabetes-realistic-patient-outcomes/