Pakistan has emerged as the country with the highest diabetes rate in the world, as revealed in the 11th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, launched at the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Congress in Bangkok.
The data reveals that around 230,000 Pakistanis die every year from diabetes-related complications. If current trends continue, the number of diabetes patients in Pakistan is projected to double from 34.5 million in 2024 to 70.2 million by 2050 — surpassing the U.S. in total cases.
The IDF report highlights severe gaps in diagnosis and care. Over 9.3 million Pakistanis are unaware they have diabetes, while the country spends just $79 per patient annually — one of the lowest figures worldwide.
Prof Abdul Basit of Indus Hospital warned, “We are dealing with a silent pandemic… Without urgent action, diabetes will devastate future generations in Pakistan.”
The report also notes a sharp rise in cases among the elderly and pregnant women, as well as the growing burden on Pakistan’s fragile health system. Pakistan also leads all Islamic countries in both number and prevalence of diabetes, with a 2050 estimate of 70 million cases.
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