JDRF launches global type 1 diabetes index

JDRF collaborated with key partners and experts around the world to develop the T1D Index using the results from a global survey of more than 500 endocrinologists and 400 publications to simulate the state of T1D globally and at the country level

JDRF, global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organisation, announces the launch of the Type 1 Diabetes Index (T1D Index). The T1D Index is a data simulation tool that measures the human and public health impact of the T1D crisis in every country across the globe.

The T1D Index and accompanying research has been published in the leading diabetes and endocrinology medical journal, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

The Index illuminates the human burden of T1D by highlighting “missing people,” which is the number of people who would still be alive today if they had not died early due to complications from T1D, and “healthy years lost,” which represents time lost to ill-health, disability or early death from living with T1D.

Simulations from the T1D Index suggest that globally, as of 2022, there are more than 3.86 million “missing people” and an average of 32 “healthy years lost” to T1D per person, if diagnosed at age 10.  In India, there are more than 902,172 “missing people” and an average of 45 “healthy years lost” to T1D per person, if diagnosed at age 10.

Simulations from the T1D Index have led to the identification of four key interventions that could change the current trajectory for T1D and its impact on people around the world:

Timely diagnosis: enabling better education and training for medical professionals to accurately diagnose T1D. If the global population has access to timely diagnosis from 2023, 668,000 more people could be alive in 2040.

Insulin and strips: creating barrier-free access to insulin and blood glucose testing strips. If the global population has access to insulin and testing strips from 2023, and coaching to self-manage the condition, 1.98 million more people could be alive in 2040.

Pumps and CGMs: ensuring everyone living with T1D has access to technology that automates glucose monitoring and insulin delivery. 673,000 more people could be alive in 2040 if everyone with T1D has access to the technology available from 2023.

Prevention and cures: making the case for further investment and research in emerging prevention, treatments and cures. 890,000 more people could be alive in 2040 if we find cures.

Additionally, the T1D Index shines a light on important statistics about the burden of T1D globally, including:

• Since 2000, T1D prevalence has increased at four times the rate of global population growth.
• The expected number of people living with T1D in 2040 will be 17.43 million.
• The number of “missing people” in the year 2040 is projected to be 6.85 million.