Malnutrition-Related Diabetes: The Forgotten Form

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by insufficient insulin production or inefficient insulin utilization inside the body, causing hyperglycemia and damage to various body systems, particularly to the nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes mellitus affects approximately 537 million adults worldwide, with projections estimating it to rise as high as 783 million by the year 2045. Many individuals remain undiagnosed, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This increasing trend poses significant public health challenges, making diabetes one of the leading causes of death globally.1 In the year 2022, 14% of adults aged 18 and older were living with diabetes, with 59% not taking medication. Diabetes treatment coverage is lowest in low- and middle-income countries. In 2021, diabetes caused 1.6 million deaths, with 47% occurring before the age of 70 years. Mortality rates from diabetes have been steadily increasing since 2000, while the probability of dying from noncommunicable diseases decreased by 20% globally between 2000 and 2019.2