Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Diabetes - Statistics & Facts
In 2021, diabetes mellitus caused an estimated 1.62 million deaths worldwide, making it the eighth leading cause of death. Furthermore, it is estimated that 537 million people are currently living with diabetes around the world, with this number projected to rise to some 783 million by the year 2045. Diabetes describes a group of metabolic diseases which cause high blood sugar levels. There are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. However, the majority of diabetes cases are type 2, with an estimated 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases in the United States type 2. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight, being physically inactive, being 45 and older, and having prediabetes.
