Diabetes has already become one of the key challenges of modern medicine. Over the past 25 years, the number of diabetics has increased to alarming proportions, and forecasts for 2050 only increase concern. WomanEL tells whether Ukraine is ready to fight this terrible disease and what awaits the population in the coming decades.
ContentGlobal situation in the worldUkraine: status and forecastsWhat can be done? 
Global situation in the world
As Prodiabet.ua writes, according to research by the Global Burden of Disease, the number of people with diabetes will reach 1.3 billion, which is more than twice the current figures.
The increase in diabetes cases is associated with two main factors: the rise in obesity (49.6%) and demographic changes (50.4%). The highest age-standardized prevalence of diabetes is projected to be observed in North Africa and the Middle East (16.8%), as well as in Latin America and the Caribbean (11.3%).
Ukraine: status and projections
Although the situation in Ukraine is relatively stable, the problem of diabetes is no less urgent. In 2021, more than 2.3 million adults with diabetes (7.11% of the population) were registered in the country. Of these, almost 40% were undiagnosed, which is a serious threat to health. In addition, the number of children with type 1 diabetes continues to grow, reaching almost 7 thousand.
Projections for 2045 indicate a slight increase in the prevalence of diabetes in Ukraine to 8.03%. However, the number of people with impaired glucose tolerance will decrease, which may indicate improved preventive measures.
What can be done?
Given the threatening trends, it is important to strengthen preventive measures:
• Promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Actively combating obesity is a key factor.
• Early diagnosis. Ensuring the availability of diabetes testing in primary health care facilities.
• Educational programs. Informing about diabetes risk factors among all age groups.
• Technologies in medicine. Innovative solutions for glucose monitoring and support for patients with diabetes.
By 2050, diabetes will become one of the largest health problems in the world. However, timely measures at the global and national levels can reduce the rate of spread of this disease. Special emphasis should be placed on prevention and accessibility of medical services for everyone.
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