The number of people age 65 and older with type 1 diabetes rose from 1.3 million in 1990 to 3.7 million in 2019, while death rates fell by 25%, finds an analysis of data from more than 200 countries and territories published in The BMJ.

The researchers used data on people over the age of 65 from the Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors Study, covering the period 1990-2019. Data were analyzed at the global, regional and national levels by age, gender and socio-demographic status indicator.

The results show that more people with type 1 diabetes are living longer, likely because of improved treatments and care. Specifically, the proportion of people over 65 living with type 1 diabetes rose by 28%, from 400 per 100,000 in 1990 to 514 in 2019. The proportion tripled in every age group from 65 to 94, especially among of men.

In contrast, deaths fell by 25%, from 4.74 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1990 to 3.54 in 2019. Death rates fell across all age groups, especially among women and those under 79.

However, death rates fell 13 times faster in high-income countries compared to low- and middle-income countries, highlighting significant global disparities in diabetes care.

However, the researchers acknowledge that their estimates were based mainly on modeling and that differences in health information systems and reporting methods in different countries and regions may have affected the accuracy of the results.