A new peer-reviewed global analysis found that the burden of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in people aged 0–19 has risen sharply from 1990 to 2021, and income-related health gaps have worsened.
Key findings:
- Incidence and prevalence up: Global T1DM incidence nearly tripled, from 2.71 to 7.42 per 100,000. Prevalence also rose sharply from 20.75 to 56.59 per 100,000.
- Geographic patterns: In 2021, North America and Europe had the highest incidence and prevalence rates. African regions had the highest burden of years of life lost (YLLs).
- Widening inequalities: Lower-income countries bear a disproportionate share of T1DM deaths and YLLs. By 2021, countries in the lower half of global income distribution accounted for ∼80% of T1DM mortality burden and ∼86% of T1DM YLL burden. Absolute and relative inequalities both increased since 1990.
- Drivers: Researchers linked the disparities to unequal access to insulin, glucose monitoring, healthcare resources, and diabetes management systems in resource-limited settings.