It is estimated that 62 million people in the Americas live with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type2. This number has tripled in the Region since 1980.
According to the Diabetes Atlas, the number of people with diabetes will reach the 109 million mark by 2040.
In 2015 Health Expenditures for diabetes in the Americas were estimated at $382.6 billion (or 12-14% of the health budget) and this number will increase to $445.6 billion by 2040.
Poorly controlled diabetes increases the chances of premature mortality as well as chronic complications such as cardiovascular diseases, blindness, nephropathy, foot ulcers and amputations. In addition, people with diabetes are at higher risk of presenting tuberculosis, especially those with poor glycemic control.
The risk of dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all causes are two and three times higher among people with diabetes than those without diabetes.
The cost of health care for people affected by diabetes is between two and three times higher than among peers without diabetes.
While diabetes and its complications are largely preventable, lack of access to quality health care services and lack of knowledge of preventive measures are widespread.
Studies have demonstrated that approximately one-third of people with type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed, and already present complications at the time of diagnosis.

General Reccomendation

People at risk for diabetes should be recommended daily consumption of fruit and vegetables, 30-minute physical activity per day and maintaining a healthy weight.
People with diabetes should adhere to a healthy lifestyle and medication, if indicated by a health provider, to ensure adequate control of blood glucose.
According to the Diabetes Atlas, the number of people with diabetes will reach the 109 million mark by 2040.

Source: PAHO/WHO