More than 800 million adults have diabetes worldwide – almost twice as many as previous estimates have suggested – and more than half of those aged over 30 who have the condition are not receiving treatment, according to a new study.

In 2022, there were around 828 million people aged 18 years and older with type 1 and type 2 diabetes worldwide, the study published in The Lancet found. Among adults aged 30 years and older, 445 million, or 59% of them, were not receiving treatment, the authors said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has previously estimated that around 422 million people have diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease involving blood sugar levels, which can damage the heart, blood vessels, nerves and other organs if untreated.

The global diabetes rate has doubled since 1990 from around 7% to 14%, the study suggested, driven largely by rising cases in low- and middle-income countries. But although there are far more cases, treatment rates in those regions have barely increased, the authors said, while things have improved in some higher-income countries – leading to a widening treatment gap.

In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, only 5%-10% of those estimated to have diabetes were getting treatment, said Jean Claude Mbanya, professor at the University of Yaounde I in Cameroon. Treating diabetes, either with insulin or drugs, can be expensive.

“A huge number [are] at risk of serious health complications,” he said.

The study was done by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and the WHO, and is the first global analysis to include rates and treatment estimates for all countries, the authors said. It is based on more than 1,000 studies involving more than 140 million people.

Diabetes was defined as having high fasting plasma glucose levels and high glycated haemoglobin, both common diagnostic criteria for the condition, or taking medication for diabetes. The authors said both tests were used to avoid underestimating rates in parts of the world, particularly South Asia, where using fasting plasma glucose alone missed cases.

While the study could not separate out type 1 and type 2 cases, previous evidence has suggested that most diabetes in adults is type 2, which is linked to obesity and poor diet, the authors said.

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Observed every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day is a global effort to raise awareness about diabetes and its potential complications. With diabetes on the rise, especially in India—the world’s “diabetes capital”—experts stress the importance of early detection and management to prevent serious issues, particularly in foot health.

Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Podiatric Surgeon and Co-Founder of FootSecure, highlights that diabetic foot complications, often overlooked, are a major concern, with risks ranging from nerve damage to possible amputation. Here are some crucial early signs every diabetic patient should watch for to help prevent severe outcomes. 

Key Early Signs of Diabetic Foot Disease 

Temperature Sensitivity (Sense of Hot and Cold) 

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is common among diabetic patients and can reduce sensitivity to temperature changes. This may result in unnoticed burns or injuries from hot or cold surfaces, as people may not feel discomfort or pain. 

Skin Tone Changes 

Darkened, shiny skin or hair loss on the feet and lower legs can signal poor blood circulation. Any noticeable difference in color or texture of the feet compared to the rest of the leg should prompt a check-up. 

Foot Shape Alterations 

Over time, diabetic patients may experience changes in foot shape. A normal arch might develop into a high arch or flatten, toes may claw, and bunions can form. These changes indicate muscle weakness, which should be addressed early to avoid further complications. 

Corns and Calluses 

Calluses and corns, which are thickened skin areas from pressure or friction, can be early signs of trouble. If left untreated, these can cause wounds and blisters, posing a greater risk for diabetic patients. Regularly inspecting feet for these signs is essential. 

Slower Walking Pace 

Diabetic foot issues can lead to slower walking due to balance and proprioception problems. A noticeable change in walking speed could be an indicator that foot health needs attention. 

Persistent Cramping or Pain 

Constant leg cramps or pain, even at rest, may be a sign of inadequate blood supply to the feet, indicating that medical evaluation is necessary. 

Critical Indicators for Diabetic Foot Health 

If any of the following symptoms arise, consulting a healthcare professional immediately is critical to avoid severe complications: 

Numbness or Tingling 

Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation often points to nerve damage. Left unchecked, this can lead to non-healing wounds or eventual amputation if sensation is severely impaired. 

Swelling 

Persistent foot or leg swelling, especially if accompanied by warmth or discoloration, may suggest infection or poor circulation. Quick diagnosis is necessary to prevent infections or ulcers from worsening. 

Non-Healing Wounds or Injuries 

Diabetics are more prone to wounds that heal slowly or not at all due to poor circulation. If a cut or sore doesn’t show signs of healing within a week, it may signal a serious issue that could lead to infection or even amputation if ignored. 

Changes in Toenail Color or Thickness 

Discolored or thick toenails can indicate fungal infections, which are more common in diabetics. These infections can spread if untreated, so monitoring toenail health is essential. 

Protecting Foot Health: Prevention Tips 

For diabetic patients, prioritizing regular foot inspections and addressing early signs is crucial. Engaging a podiatric specialist in your care routine can help ensure even minor issues don’t lead to serious outcomes. Monthly foot washing, sun drying, or vacuum cleaning are simple yet effective ways to increase foot health longevity. 

By recognizing these early signs and taking preventive measures, diabetic patients can protect their foot health and overall well-being. World Diabetes Day serves as a vital reminder to stay vigilant about diabetic foot care and seek timely medical advice for any concerning changes. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders could be triggered by air pollution, including the type emitted in car exhaust, a new study suggested — though it had some limitations.

The review, led by Hebrew University of Jerusalem, analyzed multiple studies related to autism and cellular activity. The findings were published in the journal Brain Medicine.

The researchers focused on four specific types of particles that make up air pollution: fine particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3).

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They also investigated four different ways in which these particles could impact the fetus.

Those four ways were neuroinflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress (an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants that causes cell damage), epigenetic modifications (chemical changes to DNA) and disruptions to certain neurotransmitters, according to the study.

“Increasing air pollution may significantly raise the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD, due to gene-environment interactions,” lead study author Haitham Amal, PhD, an associate professor at The School of Pharmacy at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told Fox News Digital.

“Key air pollutants — such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and ozone — are implicated in triggering harmful processes in the brain, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neurotransmitter imbalances,” he added. 

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The risk is highest during times of accelerated development, such as prenatal and early childhood periods, according to Amal, who is also a visiting professor at Boston Children’s Hospital within Harvard Medical School. 

“The brain starts developing at birth and continues to develop until the mid 20s,” Georges Ghacibeh, M.D., a neurologist at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital. He was not involved in the study. 

“During the early years, from conception until about age 5, the brain undergoes the most changes and therefore is more susceptible to the impact of external factors,” added Ghacibeh.

In a previous study published in 2023, the same research team found that nitric oxide (NO), which is one of the particles in air pollution, is a “key pathological factor in autism,” Amal noted. 

The brain is most susceptible to external factors from conception until age 5, experts say.

Ghacibeh agreed that air pollution could increase autism risk.

“Chemicals inhaled by a pregnant mother or a young child, if they enter the bloodstream and make it to the brain of the fetus or developing child, can affect various metabolic pathways, either by interfering directly with certain chemical reactions inside the cells, or by reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain,” he told Fox News Digital. 

This can interrupt the process of normal brain development, according to the doctor, causing brain cells to lose their normal function. 

“The mechanism would be similar to the effect of certain medications ingested during pregnancy that can lead to developmental delay or autism in the child,” Ghacibeh said.

Study doesn’t prove cause

Amal acknowledged that the study had some limitations.

“The data is based on epidemiological studies,” he said. “Extensive experiments in our labs should be done to validate and prove this connection.”

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Ghacibeh agreed, noting that epidemiological studies prove association but not causality. 

“In other words, if two phenomena occur simultaneously, such as high levels of air pollution and a rise in autism, this does not necessarily prove that one caused the other — it just means that both phenomena occurred at the same time. It is possible that additional, unknown factors might have played a role as well,” he said.

Future research should aim to better understand pollution’s effects on “genetically susceptible individuals” and to find ways to protect those at greatest risk, according to Amal.

“This knowledge could inform public health policies aimed at minimizing ASD risk from environmental pollutants,” he added.

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In the U.S., autism affects one in 36 children, or about 2.3%, as of 2024, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

This is an increase from one in 44 children two years ago.

Air pollution is also on the rise, affecting approximately 131.2 million people, or 39% of the U.S., as noted in the 2024 American Lung Association’s State of the Air report. 

This is an increase of 11.7 million people from 2023. 

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Living in areas with lower pollution levels — away from factories or airports, for example — could help to prevent potentially harmful effects of air pollution, Ghacibeh said.

“Using good air filters, especially when you live in a higher-pollution environment, also helps mitigate those risks,” he added.

Good nutrition and limited exposure to smoking, alcohol and drugs also helps to promote optimal brain development and neurological health, according to Ghacibeh.

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The study was funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Eagles Autism Foundation, which raises funds for innovative research and care programs, according to its website, along with others.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Autism Foundation, Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation and Autism Society for comment on the study.

Hi Haya,

I’m in my mid-20s and struggle to remain body-positive. I have been working out and taking care of my diet, but this feeling of not looking the best just keeps me mentally exhausted.

It has affected my self-esteem a lot and leaves me cautious about my choice of clothing. My mental health has been impacted a lot due to this and I just don’t feel great enough with regards to my physical appearance.

The fact that I can’t lose enough weight and look pretty leaves me depressed and gives me immense anxiety, especially when I’m going out with family and friends.

Please tell me how to get over this negative feeling?

Hi,

It sounds like you’re in a place of deep inner conflict — on one hand, you’re actively taking care of your body, but on the other, you feel disconnected from the results, and it’s weighing heavily on your self-worth. I want to acknowledge how exhausting it must be to feel like you’re not “enough,” despite all the effort you’re putting in. This internal struggle can understandably lead to anxiety, making everyday situations, like socialising, feel overwhelming.

When we get caught in negative thoughts about our appearance, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that external realities often reflect our internal ones. Without taking the time to explore and address what’s beneath the surface, it can feel like we’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of frustration and dissatisfaction. I’d like to invite you to take a closer look at the emotions and beliefs fuelling these feelings, so we can start to shift them with more compassion and understanding.

You mentioned feeling like you’re not “looking the best” or “good enough.” I encourage you to exploring what “looking the best” and “good enough” mean and to reflect on what these terms really mean to you. What does “looking the best” actually look like, and what does it mean to be “good enough”? These standards may be influenced by messages from outside sources — media, family, friends, or past experiences — but it’s essential to examine where these beliefs come from. Whose voice are you really hearing when you say you’re not good enough? What would it look like to question these standards and define “enough” for yourself, based on what truly matters to you?

When we focus on physical appearance as our primary source of validation, it’s easy to become frustrated when our efforts don’t lead to immediate or lasting changes. Your frustration with not losing enough weight or not looking “pretty enough” may be a sign that you’re seeking validation outside of yourself. How do you typically respond to those feelings of frustration? Does it turn inward, leading to self-criticism or inadequacy? This might signal an unmet emotional need for belonging, acceptance, or validation, which could be playing a larger role in how you view your body.

Much of your anxiety seems to stem from worrying about how you appear to others, especially in social settings. But what if, instead of asking “How do I look?”, you shifted your focus to “How do I feel?” Shift your focus from appearance to feeling. When you’re with others, try to notice how you feel in the moment — are there times when you can connect with them without being hyper-aware of your body? Even small moments like this can offer a glimpse into what it’s like to be present without the weight of self-judgment.

I’d also encourage you to reflect on what “beauty” truly means to you beyond the physical. What is your definition of beauty? When you think of someone who embodies beauty, what qualities stand out? It’s often the intangible aspects — kindness, confidence, authenticity — that make someone feel beautiful, not just their outward appearance. How might your definition of beauty evolve if you focused more on inner qualities like strength, compassion, and intelligence, rather than physical traits?

It’s also worth considering what the desire to change your appearance might really be about. Could it be more about wanting to feel accepted or valued rather than aiming for traditional beauty standards? Understanding what emotional needs are at the core of this desire can help you explore how to meet those needs in ways other than through appearance.

Additionally, I’d like to invite you to reflect on how you relate to your body. You’re putting effort into exercise and diet, but how does it feel to nourish your body for its strength or well-being rather than to change its appearance? Explore the relationship you have with your body. Have you noticed times when you feel better mentally or emotionally after engaging in movement or nourishment that isn’t about altering your body, but about caring for it?

Focusing on nourishment rather than appearance can help shift the focus from external validation to internal well-being. When you engage in self-care — whether it’s through exercise, nutrition, or rest — do you feel more connected to your body and less focused on its appearance?

Finally, let’s explore self-compassion. It’s easy to slip into harsh self-criticism when struggling with body image, but I encourage you to speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a close friend. When negative thoughts arise, could you soften your inner dialogue and offer yourself encouragement instead of judgment? Offering yourself empathy can be a powerful first step towards healing.

Big changes can feel overwhelming, which is why small, manageable shifts can be incredibly effective. Perhaps you could start by experimenting with how you speak to yourself in the mirror, or making a list of things you appreciate about yourself, engaging in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Another small change could be practising grounding techniques when you feel anxious about how you look in social settings. Over time, these practices can help reduce anxiety and shift your focus away from appearance-based concerns.

Body image struggles can be difficult, but it’s important to honour where you are in your journey. What small change can you begin with today? Even a small shift can lead to significant changes in how you relate to yourself over time.

You’re in a process of growth and change, and it’s okay to not have it all figured out just yet. Be kind to yourself as you continue on this journey towards a healthier relationship with your body and mind.

Remember when you work on the internal, the external starts to shift.

Wishing you healing!

Haya Malik is a psychotherapist, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, corporate well-being strategist and trainer with expertise in creating organisational cultures focused on well-being and raising awareness around mental health.

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Send her your questions to [email protected]

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Note: The advice and opinions above are those of the author and specific to the query. We strongly recommend our readers consult relevant experts or professionals for personalised advice and solutions. The author and Geo.tv do not assume any responsibility for the consequences of actions taken based on the information provided herein. All published pieces are subject to editing to enhance grammar and clarity.

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