Experts call for urgent action on global diabetes epidemic

Diabetes caused 4.2 million deaths globally in 2019, according to figures from the International Diabetes Federation

Figures indicate that diabetes caused 4.2 million deaths globally in 2019 (Peter Byrne/PA)

Health experts are calling for urgent action to address the global diabetes epidemic as Covid-19 continues to highlight the vulnerability of people with the condition.

Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, a team of 44 leading experts from around the world have published a report in the journal Lancet, saying a lack of evidence-based interventions is “leading to thousands of preventable deaths globally daily”.