The global epidemic of diabesity : are we heading for an unsustainable future?

Abstract

The twenty-first century has witnessed two intertwined epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes (diabesity). Diabetes and obesity carry similar underlying pathophysiology of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Also, both diseases have non-modifiable and modifiable predisposing factors that have been identified and reported for decades. Nonetheless, there is a relentless progression of this epidemic, where it is on a steep incline with a potentially unsustainable future. The presence of diabetes, obesity, or diabesity has several direct and indirect consequences occurring at all individual, community, and country levels. The growing diabesity epidemic is also challenging the healthcare system and economic sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic that recently happened to humanity added a challenge to healthcare systems. The diabesity population’s health and well-being further worsened during this pandemic as healthcare access got restricted. If the diabesity population acquired the viral infection, they were susceptible to higher morbidity and mortality rates than those without the chronic diseases. Additionally, there is a bi-directional relationship between diabesity and climate change, another global challenge threatening the world’s safety. Strategies following progressive cultural and societal integrational changes need to be implemented to contain and prevent diabesity, while safeguarding future generations. Countries with high-risk diabesity populations may consider implementing a screening program, provided that supporting infrastructure and human resources are available. An all-in-society and all-in-government approach is necessary to address this epidemic urgently; otherwise, it will lead to an unsustainable future.