Diabetes mellitus is a common illness. Over 8.9 million individuals in Germany are living with diabetes.
The majority, approximately 93 percent, are affected by type 2 diabetes. However, many people are unaware of their diabetes condition. It is estimated that around 2 million people in Germany have undiagnosed diabetes. Each year, approximately 450,000 individuals in Germany receive a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes makes up about 6 percent of cases and is less prevalent in Germany. There are approximately 35,100 children and adolescents, as well as 341,000 adults, in Germany with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
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Various studies and sources provide different estimates for the current prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Germany, ranging from 9 to 12 percent. Older individuals are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with the prevalence being highest among those over 80 years old. Around one-third (33 percent) of individuals in this age group have type 2 diabetes.
It is predicted that the number of people with diabetes will increase in the coming decades. A recent forecast suggests that by 2040, the number of individuals with type 2 diabetes in Germany could double compared to 2015 figures.
This increase is primarily due to the aging population and improved treatment options leading to reduced mortality rates among individuals with type 2 diabetes. While the number of new cases among older age groups (60 and above) has decreased in recent years, there has been a rise in the 20 to 39 age group.
Nationwide data also indicates a rise in the incidence of type 2 diabetes among adolescents in recent years, although the overall number of affected adolescents remains low at approximately 950 between the ages of 11 and 18. A notable increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence was observed in the 15 to 19 age group.
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About 8.9 million individuals in Germany have diabetes.
The prevalence of type 1 diabetes among children and adolescents is steadily increasing. According to a national diabetes register, the disease’s prevalence in Germany has been rising by an average of 3 percent annually over the past two decades. In 2020, boys were more frequently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes than girls. Boys are usually diagnosed between the ages of 11 and 17, while girls are diagnosed between 7 and 13.
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Type 1 diabetes is the most widespread metabolic disorder in children and adolescents.
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Gestational diabetes is another form of diabetes that emerges during pregnancy. Women who experience gestational diabetes have a significantly higher long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Data analysis from a large German health insurance company indicates a rise in gestational diabetes diagnoses over the years: the rate increased from around 9 in every 100 pregnant women in 2010 to 15 in 100 by 2020.
In addition to these diabetes types, there are other rare forms like MODY.
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The majority of diabetes cases involve type 2 diabetes. Several risk factors contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Apart from age and genetic predisposition, there are modifiable risk factors that play a role.
These factors include:
- Lack of physical activity
- Unbalanced diet, especially excessive visceral fat in the abdominal region
In many instances, modern unhealthy lifestyles lead even seemingly healthy individuals to develop type 2 diabetes.
Watch our informative video to learn more about the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and discover ways to promote healthy habits.
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This video is available with English subtitles.
The risk factors for type 1 diabetes differ from those associated with type 2 diabetes and are still not fully understood.
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Recent studies have also highlighted the impact of environmental factors on the development of type 1 diabetes among adolescents. Factors such as viral infections, dietary habits, and exposure to certain chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of developing T1D. Understanding these environmental triggers is crucial for developing preventive measures and improving diabetes management among young individuals.
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In addition to environmental factors, genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Research has identified several genetic markers that can increase the likelihood of developing T1D. By studying these genetic factors, researchers aim to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease and develop targeted therapies for at-risk individuals.
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Educating adolescents and young adults about diabetes prevention and management is essential for reducing the burden of the disease. By promoting healthy lifestyle choices, encouraging regular physical activity, and providing access to quality healthcare services, we can empower young individuals to take control of their health and prevent the onset of diabetes.
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Collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organizations is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes among adolescents. By working together to implement public health initiatives, improve access to diabetes care, and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment, we can make significant strides in combatting this global health issue.
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The escalating burden of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adolescents and young adults is a significant global healthcare concern. The incidence of T1D in childhood and adolescence is on the rise, reaching 22.79 new cases per year per 100,000 children up to 15 years in Germany. Economic development and urbanization are linked to the increased burden of T1D. The cost of managing diabetes is at least 3.2 times higher than the average healthcare expenditure per capita, reaching 9.4 times higher in the presence of complications. A study in the US revealed an annual 1.4% increase in T1D incidence rates among youths between 2002 and 2012. Understanding the global burden of T1D in adolescents is crucial for optimizing healthcare resource allocation worldwide.
Children are more susceptible to insulin deficiency than adults, increasing the risk of rapid onset of diabetic ketoacidosis. Prior studies have highlighted geographical disparities in T1D trends. Research conducted across 26 European centers reported a substantial rise in T1D incidence among adolescents from 1989 to 2013. A multicenter study in the US involving 3.47 million youths discovered a notable increase in T1D prevalence, from 1.48 to 2.15 cases per 1000 youths. The International Diabetes Federation Atlas 10th edition highlighted the variability and upward trend of T1D incidence in children and adolescents globally. In our investigation, we sought to explore the global burden and significant trends in T1D among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24 years. Numerous countries, particularly those with low or middle Social Development Index, lack comprehensive information on T1D trends in adolescents. Therefore, urgent actions are needed to understand and address the burden of T1D in adolescents and provide necessary data for local governments. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 presents an opportunity for international collaboration to analyze disease patterns on a global scale. This study aimed to assess global trends in T1D prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and mortality rates among adolescents over each decade since 1990, based on the latest GBD 2019 data.
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The GBD 2019 offers the latest information on the number of cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to 369 diseases and injuries across 204 countries between 1990 and 2019. This data was studied for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in different age groups, specifically adolescents and young adults aged 10-24. The findings on T1D incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs were analyzed based on sex, age, socio-demographic index (SDI), and World Health Organization (WHO) regions using Joinpoint Regression Analysis.
Over the course of 1990 to 2019, T1D incidence and prevalence showed an upward trend in adolescents and young adults, with notable spikes at certain points. While mortality and DALY rates initially rose, they later experienced a decline. Notably, T1D prevalence significantly increased on a global scale.
T1D mortality and DALY rates continued to rise until a turning point post-2000 when they started decreasing. An analysis of specific years highlighted significant changes in these trends. These trends varied across different age groups, with mortality rates decreasing across the board, especially among older adolescents.
Across various SDI quintiles, high SDI countries reported the highest T1D prevalence and incidence rates, while low SDI countries saw higher mortality and DALY rates in 2019. The study also showed differences in T1D burden among different WHO regions, with Europe witnessing the most significant increase in incidence and the Eastern Mediterranean region facing the highest mortality rate.
It was observed that T1D burden is closely linked to socio-economic factors, with adolescents in high SDI countries having higher incidence rates compared to middle SDI countries. Factors like childhood obesity and viral infections play a crucial role in the rising incidence of T1D, especially among younger adolescents. Managing T1D in adolescents poses challenges due to various medical and psychosocial factors.
In essence, T1D among adolescents and young adults remains a pressing global health issue, particularly in less socio-economically developed nations. While there have been improvements in mortality and DALY rates, addressing the root causes of T1D and promoting healthy lifestyles from early childhood are key to combating this disease effectively.