Morgan Chamberlain
Feb 6, 2025
A review published by The Lancet predicted more than 3.1 billion people across the globe will be living with diabetes by the year 2050—that’s more than double the amount of cases in 2021 (529 million).
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is expected to contribute to this astronomical shift. In the U.S. alone, the number of T2D causes in young people has doubled over the last two decades with Black and Indigenous Americans populations more susceptible.
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1 (which is typically diagnosed in children and young adults), type 2, and gestational (diabetes during pregnancy). Accounting for 90% of all diabetes cases1 in 2021, type 2 diabetes is the most common form.
According to researchers, this burden of T2D cases can be attributed to social risk factors that promote excessive weight gain and amplify metabolic health issues. Some of these risk factors include:
Dietary risks (heavily processed carbohydrates, trans and saturated fats, added sugars, and processed meats)
Lack of physical activity (i.e., fewer than 150 minutes per week)
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
While these numbers are shocking (and honestly, quite terrifying), there’s some optimism to be shared: Type 2 diabetes is preventable.