Around 10.5 percent of the global adult population suffered from diabetes in 2021 - by the year 2045 this number is expected to rise to over 12 percent. Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, refers to a group of metabolic disorders that result in chronic high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and stroke and is now among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide.

Prevalence
Diabetes is a global problem affecting a variety of countries. China currently has the largest number of diabetics worldwide with some 141 million people suffering from the disease. However, the highest prevalence of diabetes is found among French Polynesia, Mauritius, and Kuwait. Rates of diabetes have increased in many countries in recent years, as have rates of obesity, one of the leading risk factors for the disease.

Outlook
It is predicted that diabetes will continue to be a problem in the future. Africa is expected to see a 134 percent increase in the number of diabetics in the region from 2021 to 2045, while North America and the Caribbean are expected to see an increase of 24 percent. In 2045, China is predicted to be the country with the highest number of diabetics worldwide, with the United States accounting for the fourth highest number.