This is one of the conclusions of a series of studies published in the journals The Lancet and The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. According to these studies, structural racism and geographical differences are the main causes of this worrying trend.

This increase is mainly due to type 2 diabetes, which will continue to increase obesity and demographic changes. Currently, 90 per cent of cases remain of this type.

Furthermore, studies have shown the influence of structural racism and geographical differences. For example, in rich countries, like the United States, diabetes rates among minority ethnic groups are 1.5 times higher than for whites. And in general, in low- and middle-income countries, mortality rates from this disease are twice as high as in high-income countries.

“Structural racism and geographical inequality accentuate and exacerbate the social determinants of health and affect the care and treatment of people with diabetes,” The Lancet said in the editorial.

It is estimated that in 2045 more than three quarters of adults with diabetes are in low- and middle-income countries, of which only 10 per cent will receive adequate care.

They stress that the rapid increase in diabetes, as well as worrying, is a great challenge for all health systems in the world. And the editorial has made it clear: “An ambitious programme is needed to address the injustices that for centuries have led to the path of power and colonization.”