Diabetes rates have doubled over past 30 years, global study finds

An international study published in the Lancet found that the number of people with diabetes has doubled over the past 30 years to more than 800 million.

Scientists at NCD-RisC, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), examined data from more than 1,000 studies in various countries.

Researchers applied statistical tools to enable accurate comparisons of prevalence and treatment between countries as well as regions.

Key findings

• More than 95 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.
• Rates of diabetes in adults rose to approximately 14 per cent between 1990 to 2022. The largest increase was recorded in low and middle-income countries.
• More than half of global diabetes cases were concentrated in four countries: India (212 million), China (148 million), the United States (42 million), and Pakistan (36 million).

WHO calling for ‘urgent’ action

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO, said countries must “urgently take action” to bring the “global diabetes epidemic under control.”

“This starts with enacting policies that support healthy diets and physical activity and, most importantly, health systems that provide prevention, early detection, and treatment.”

Long-term disability rights for diabetes

In Canada, most long-term disability (LTD) insurance policies will pay benefits if you can show you have a disability that prevents you from working.

This includes individuals in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia who have coverage.

What’s critical for all claims, including those involving diabetes, is having your treating doctor or medical professional indicate in writing that your condition is significant enough that you aren’t able to work.

WATCH: Disability lawyer Tamar Agopian explains how your doctor can help you apply for LTD on an episode of the Disability Law Show.

If you have medical documentation from your doctor stating this, then you are entitled to claim for and receive LTD benefits for as long as you remain disabled.

SEE ALSO
• What medical conditions qualify for disability in Canada?
• ‘Totally disabled’: What does it mean in an LTD claim?
• Disability Law Show: 3 common mistakes people make with LTD insurers

Long-term disability denied? Don’t appeal

If your LTD claim is denied by your insurance provider, you will likely receive a letter inviting you to appeal the decision.

While it might seem like a good idea to do so, in almost all cases, the appeals process will be handled by the same insurer that denied your claim.

Insurance companies make money by not paying claims. They often use the appeals process (sometimes leading claimants to request multiple appeals) to run out the clock on your ability to file a claim against them to get the money you are owed.

If your LTD claim is denied, cut off, or comes under “investigation”, contact our firm immediately.

LEARN MORE
• Appealing a long-term disability claim denial
• Disability lawyer discusses Ontario woman’s life insurance denial

Denied long-term disability for diabetes? Contact us

If your insurance company has denied your claim for disability benefits based on diabetes, contact the experienced disability law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers regularly resolve issues involving LTD, short-term disability (STD), life insurance, critical illness, and mortgage insurance claims.

We can review your situation, enforce your rights, and help you secure the compensation you are owed.

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.