Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, which usually occurs in adults when the body becomes resistant to or does not produce enough insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin on its own.

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the Americas and was responsible for more than 284,000 deaths in 2019. It is also the second leading cause of disability in the region, preceded only by ischemic heart disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people aged 40 to 74, lower limb amputations and chronic kidney disease. It also triples the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or cancer.

Although type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, it can be controlled. However, there are measures available to prevent type 2 diabetes, including policies and programs to promote good health and nutrition, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and controlling blood pressure.

PAHO continues to support countries in designing, implementing and evaluating strategies to prevent and control diabetes. PAHO’s Strategic Fund works to strengthen universal access to essential medicines and technologies for treatment in the region, enabling Member States to obtain insulin at low-cost prices. The WHO Global Compact for Diabetes also reinforces this commitment and provides a roadmap for countries to fight the disease.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14, on the birthday of Dr. Frederic Banting, co-discoverer of insulin, to raise awareness of the disease.

At least 62 million people live with diabetes in the Americas, a figure that is likely to be much higher, since around 40% of people don’t know they have the disease. If current trends continue, the number of people with diabetes in the region could reach 109 million by 2040.

The increase in diabetes cases over three decades is linked to the increase in risk factors – two thirds of adults in the Americas are overweight or obese, and only 60% get enough exercise. The report also points to an alarming trend among young people in the region: more than 30% are considered overweight or obese – almost double the global average.

“These high rates of diabetes highlight the urgent need for countries to focus on prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles,” said Anselm Hennis, director of PAHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. “At the same time, it is crucial to ensure early diagnosis and good disease management, which are key to controlling diabetes and preventing disabilities and health problems related to the disease.”

The report shows, however, that only 12 countries in the region have the six basic technologies needed for diabetes management in public health facilities, including equipment for measuring blood glucose, tests for the early diagnosis of complications and urine test strips for glucose and ketone analysis. “It is crucial that everyone, everywhere has access to these basic diagnostic and management tools needed to prevent related disabilities,” added Dr. Hennis.

The report also notes that people with diabetes have higher risks for severe forms of COVID-19 and death, highlighting the importance of integrating care into emergency preparedness and response plans.

In order to reduce the prevalence of the disease and enable people with diabetes to lead healthier lives and avoid complications, the report calls on countries to: