Muscat: A new study has found that over 800 million adults globally have diabetes, nearly double previous estimates, with more than half of those over 30 not receiving treatment.

According to Oman News Agency, the research published in The Lancet estimated that 828 million people aged 18 and above were affected by diabetes in 2022, with 445 million, or 59%, untreated. Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 422 million cases, highlighting the disease’s rapid increase, especially in low- and middle-income countries where treatment access remains limited.

Since 1990, the global diabetes rate has surged from 7% to 14%, with only minimal treatment improvements in poorer regions, like sub-Saharan Africa, where just 5-10% receive treatment. Led by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and WHO, the study is the first comprehensive analysis of diabetes prevalence and treatment worldwide.

Researchers used data from over 1,000 studies, covering 140 million people, defining diabetes by common diagnosti
c tests to capture undiagnosed cases, particularly in regions like South Asia. The majority of cases are likely type 2 diabetes, often linked to obesity and poor diet, the study noted.