The largest survey of its type to date has revealed that at least 40% of all people living with diabetes globally go undiagnosed, most of them being in Africa (60%).
The survey, by the Aging Analytics Agency, found that in south-east Asia, 57% of cases are undiagnosed, and in the western Pacific region, 56%, according to the 2023 diabetes global industry overview.
Half of those who are diagnosed do not receive treatment, said the report. Three in four people with the condition live in low and middle-income countries where people cannot always access healthcare services.
The Guardian reports that Sasha Korogodski, lead researcher, said more than 530 companies were found to be specialising in diabetes diagnostics around the world but only 33 were in Africa, south-east Asia and the western Pacific.
“Limited healthcare infrastructure, including a shortage of healthcare professionals and diagnostic equipment, can impede the early diagnosis of diabetes,” she warned.
The research looks at more than 2 800 companies, 1 500 investors and 80 research and development hubs focused on the condition.
The report said the “stark disparity” in treatment “highlights the pressing need to improve access to diabetic care on a global scale”.
Caroline Mbindyo, chief executive of Amref Health Innovations, part of the NGO Amref Health Africa, said half of all Africans do not have access to the healthcare they need, and those living in remote areas can live hours or even days away from a facility.
“The reality is that the time and expense to make this journey means it isn’t even an option for many in these communities. It is impossible for them to get to these services,” she said.
In 2021, nearly 7m deaths around the world were the result of diabetes despite more than $970bn spent on treatment, showed the research. Most of the organisations in the report are in America.
More than 70 companies producing diabetes drugs (55%) are in the US, with 17% in Europe. The global diabetes market is mainly divided into four giant monopolies: Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Eli Lilly and Merck. They account for about 72% of the market.
Diabetes is on the rise, said the experts. Rapid urbanisation and the effects of the climate crisis on harvests have led to an increase in cheap processed food, which has replaced more traditional food sources in diets.
“Combined with the move to more sedentary lifestyles, particularly in urban centres, this leads to increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers,” said Mbindyo.
Diabetes Global Industry Overview 2023-3
The Guardian article – Global survey finds diabetes goes undiagnosed in 40% of cases (Open access)
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