Type 1 Diabetes Index – mapping the global scope and impact of type 1 diabetes
Dear Colleagues,
Many of you will be aware of the recent launch of the global Type 1 Index (T1D Index). It is a first of its kind and most accurate data simulation tool ever developed that shows the human burden of type 1 diabetes. It highlights “missing people” and “healthy years lost” to the condition.
Accurate data on type 1 diabetes prevalence (all existing cases), incidence (new cases), mortality and life expectancy are crucial to inform public health policy and delivery; and to support advocacy for better care and funding of type 1 diabetes.
The T1D index is an international collaboration of representatives from JDRF, ISPAD, IDF, leading universities and our very own Life for a Child: Dr Graham Ogle as the senior author and also Dr Jayanthi Maniam, our research officer.
A complex model was developed to estimate values for 201 countries for the year 2021 and estimated prevalence cases for 2040. The model was built by Dr Gabriel Gregory, who conducted extensive research with Life for a Child whilst he was studying medicine.
The data shows that the burden of type 1 diabetes is vast and is expected to increase rapidly, especially in resource-limited countries. In 2022, 8.7 million people were living with T1D, with 1.5 million of these under 20 years old. Most incident and prevalent cases are adults. This substantial missing prevalence in children and youth highlights the premature mortality and an opportunity to save and extend lives of people with type 1 diabetes. You can find more details in the recent Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology publication.
In 2022,
175,000 people will die prematurely from type 1 diabetes
52,600 of these will be <25 years old 35,000 of these deaths <25 years will be from non-diagnosis
14,500 in sub-Saharan Africa and 8,700 in South Asia Data presented by Dr Graham Ogle, IDF, Lisbon December 2022
The model is now publicly available as the ‘T1D index’ interactive website and will be updated regularly as new data becomes available. You can find data for your country here, scroll down to ‘Explore the world’ and select your country.
The website also offers resources to help you influence policy; develop an advocacy strategy; build a coalition; and help with fundraising ideas.
With the slogan ‘Change the numbers, change the story’ anyone is encouraged to change the story for type 1 diabetes by taking action through:
building a movement
winning allies
putting your hand up
If you have ideas, any other resources or data that may improve the T1D Index, please email [email protected]. You might want to sign up to be involved in future model development.
