Diabetes to Cost Global Economy $78.8 Trillion by 2050

A new study published in the journal 'Nature Medicine' estimates that diabetes could cost the global economy $78.8 trillion by 2050.

The research team, with the participation of experts from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), incorporated into its estimate the losses in effective labor supply, resource reallocation, and the cost of informal care.

Compared to other diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or cancer, the economic impact of diabetes is enormous. Excluding informal care, the global burden amounts to $10.2 trillion.

Although diabetes is more common in lower-income countries, the highest costs are borne by the USA, China, and India. The Czech Republic has the highest burden as a percentage of GDP (0.5%), followed by the USA and Germany (0.4%).

Diabetes has proven to be one of the main risk factors for mortality from Covid-19. Researchers emphasize the need for effective global interventions and the promotion of healthy lifestyles to prevent diabetes.