The global diabetes crisis few are talking about

In the numbers game of disease statistics, type 1 diabetes takes a back seat to type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 95% of diabetes cases around the globe. But the impact of type 1 diabetes (T1D), which tends to emerge earlier in life and can quickly kill an individual if it goes unrecognized or untreated, is huge. Its global burden, however, hasn’t been well understood — until now.

With the proper care and treatment, including access to insulin, which people with type 1 diabetes must use every day, individuals can live long and healthy lives with this disease. But many in the United States and countries around the world do not have access to even the most basic treatments.