Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa
There is a rapidly expanding diabetes epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a new report. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission conducted the first comprehensive examination of diabetes in the region. It found that nearly a quarter of adults in some sub-Saharan countries have diabetes. The spike comes as economies transition from lower- to higher-income. Researchers say growing and aging populations, changes in lifestyle and eating habits, urbanization, and changing work practices all contribute to the rise in diabetes. Currently, only half of those with diabetes are diagnosed, and of those, only 1 in 10 are receiving treatment. More than 90% of cases are type 2 diabetes, suggesting that many instances of the disease can be prevented but, the report finds that health systems are largely unprepared for dealing with the growing diabetes burden. The Lancet Commission is calling for a concerted effort to address diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: Research to understand the nature and magnitude of diabetes, Financial resources to combat the disease, Training for community health workers in diabetes prevention and control And new technologies to aid in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Researchers say the costs of inaction are high. If nothing is done, diabetes could spur a wave of chronic illness in the region, impacting health and hurting economies Rifat Atun, Professor of Global Health Systems.
