422-million adults around the world are living with diabetes.
The World Health Organization says that number has quadrupled since 1980. The WHO tracked the data in its first ever global report on the disease.
Globally, around 8.5% of adults aged 18 and over had raised blood glucose in 2014. (Click to View interactive graph by WHO.)
(Infographic: World Health Organization)
People with diabetes have trouble regulating their blood sugar, which can lead to serious health issues and even death.
There are two types: People are born with Type 1 while Type 2 develops based on diet, obesity, and other factors.
With more on the possible reasons for the increase of the disease, CCTV America’s Susan Roberts spoke with Sheri Colberg-Ochs, a professor at Old Dominion University who specializes in diabetes and exercise research.
She’s also the author of the Diabetic Athlete’s Handbook, a guide for athletes with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Cherian Varghese on why the diabetes is an increasing health problem
CCTV America’s Mike Walter spoke with Cherian Varghese. He’s the co-author of the World Health Organization’s Global report on diabetes.