DIABETES EPIDEMIC IN AFRICA DIABETES EPIDEMIC IN AFRICA

Article by Chinyere Osuji

According to the International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 537 million people are living with Diabetes worldwide. In recent years there has been a considerable rise in the number of African people with diabetes. There are many influences causing this; such as more sedentary lifestyles, sprawling urbanization, and the increased consumption of processed foods.

In Africa there are currently over 24 million adults ages 20-79 living with diabetes; predominantly Type 2 Diabetes accounting for 95% of diabetes cases. By 2045 these cases are expected to almost double, increasing to 47 million people.

Numerous factors contribute to this condition such as dietary modifications dearth in nutritional value, lack of adequate physical activity, aging, and financial limitations. All of which are interrelated to the massive increase of global urbanization.

The IDF reports as of 2019 approximately 2.1 million immigrants from sub-Saharan African live in the United States. Fifty-three percent of which came from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, or Somalia. West Africans account for the vast majority of African immigrants in the United States.

New York City and Washington, DC are home to the largest group of Saharan African immigrants, followed by Dallas, Minneapolis, and Atlanta.