Epidemiological characteristics of diabetes mellitus in Korea

Abstract

Background: The estimated prevalence of diabetes mellitus has increased and become a burden among noncommunicable diseases due to the accelerated aging population worldwide and the increased prevalence in low-income countries. In Korea, diabetes has become a serious public health concern. Current Concepts: There are four major concerns in diabetes epidemiology. First, the increased obesity rate is associated with increased diabetes prevalence. Second, a more than 40% increase in men and women with prediabetes has been observed. Prediabetes is not only a risk factor for diabetes but can also have pathophysiological effects. Third, one in three patients did not know that they had the disease. Three in four persons with diabetes experienced uncontrolled blood glucose even with treatment. Moreover, the treatment and awareness rates among people with diabetes in their 30s and 40s were lower than 50%. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and inadequate physical activity persist in patients undergoing treatment. Finally, it has recently been found that the risk of developing diabetes is high among cancer survivors and patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019. Discussion and Conclusion: A strategy should be developed to improve early detection and treatment rate in young people. We need to emphasize the seriousness of the increasing number of people with prediabetes and examine the effects of drug intervention for prediabetes, on the basis of academic research. We should also pay attention to patients who recovered from the newly emerging coronavirus disease 2019 and cancer survivors at risk of developing diabetes. © Korean Medical Association.