Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation and Disability
We are responsible for leading, coordinating and monitoring global action to cover additional people with health services, medicines, vaccines, diagnostic and health technologies for the prevention, screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. We aim to advance health equity for persons with disabilities, we have a focus on sensory impairments and bring together the work on rehabilitation from across the departments and from the 3 levels of the organization.
About us
A screenshot of the portal with images and coloured shapes.

Knowledge Action Portal on NCDs

Take a look behind the scenes of the Knowledge Action Portal (KAP).

Access here
decorative thumbnail

NCD data portal

Explore the data by country

Access here

On the road to 2025 and beyond

Square blue graphic with yellow strip and countdown to number of weeks to the 4th UN high-level meeting on NCDs

HLM4: On the road to 2025 and beyond

Preparatory process for the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs (HLM4)

Read more
Delegates sitting in a large conference room during the UN General Assembly

Implementation roadmap 2023–2030

for the Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2030

Read more

Related links

Related events and news

New publication

Related publications and documents

 

 

Other departmental work

Related health topics

Noncommunicable diseases

Diabetes
WHO / Panos / Atul Loke
People getting their fasting sugar checked for diabetes at government initiated Kamala Raman Nagar dispensary.
© Credits
Diabetes

Diabetes

Technical links

WHO/ E. Martino
© Credits

About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes

The prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing for the past 3 decades, mirroring an increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight people. In particular, the prevalence of diabetes is growing most rapidly in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO/A. Loke
© Credits

In 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes caused an estimated 2 million deaths.

WHO/ T. Habjouqa
© Credits

There are 2 major forms of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin production and type 2 diabetes results from the body's ineffective use of insulin. While type 2 diabetes is potentially preventable, the causes and risk factors for type 1 diabetes remain unknown, and prevention strategies have not yet been successful.
WHO/A. Eseibo
© Credits

A third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, with values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes, during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. They and their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.
WHO/A. Loke
© Credits

Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes

Type 2 accounts for the majority of cases of diabetes worldwide. Higher waist circumference and higher body mass index (BMI) are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, though the relationship may vary in different populations. Reports of type 2 diabetes in children – previously rare – have increased worldwide.
WHO/ E.Martino
© Credits

People with diabetes can live long and healthy lives when their diabetes is detected and well-managed

A series of cost-effective interventions can help people diagnosed with diabetes manage their condition. These interventions include: blood glucose control through a combination of diet, physical activity and, if necessary, medication; control of blood pressure and lipids to reduce cardiovascular risk and other complications; and regular screening for damage to the eyes, kidneys and feet, to facilitate early treatment.
WHO/ A.Eseibo
© Credits

Early diagnosis and intervention is the starting point for living well with diabetes

The longer a person lives with undiagnosed and untreated diabetes, the worse their health outcomes are likely to be. Basic technologies such as blood glucose measurement should be readily available in primary health-care settings.
WHO/ Q. Mattingly
© Credits

The majority of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries

In general, primary health-care practitioners in low-income countries do not have access to the basic technologies needed to help people with diabetes properly manage their disease. Access to essential medicines (including life-saving insulin) and technologies is limited in low- and middle-income countries.
WHO/ A. Eseibo
© Credits

Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

Diabetes of all types can lead to complications in many parts of the body and increase the overall risk of dying prematurely. Possible complications include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, leg amputation (because of infected, non-healing foot ulcers), vision loss and nerve damage.
WHO/ P. Brown
© Credits

Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications.

Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days and a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
-

Sensory functions, disability and rehabilitation

Risk factors

Other related health topics

Departmental events

All →

Latest publications

All →
Guidance on global monitoring for diabetes prevention and control: Framework, indicators and application
14 November 2024

Guidance on global monitoring for diabetes prevention and control: Framework, indicators and application

The Guidance on global monitoring for diabetes prevention and control by WHO provides a comprehensive framework to support countries in tracking and managing...

Download
Read More
Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: overview
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: overview

This toolkit is a "how to" guide for developing, implementing and evaluating a multisectoral action plan for prevention and control of NCDs. It is targeted...

Download
Read More
Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 5: evaluating the implementation of a multisectoral action plan
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 5: evaluating...

Key stakeholders must be involved in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NCD plans and programmes. Within a ministry of health there...

Download
Read More
Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 2: establishing stakeholder engagement and governance mechanisms
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 2: establishing...

To maintain a structured and well-organized implementation plan it is important to have a lead agency or sector. The ministry of health or a similar...

Download
Read More
Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 4: developing an implementation plan
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 4: developing...

When considering a multisectoral action plan (MSAP), it is important to take into account various issues relating to its implementation. Implementation is...

Download
Read More
Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 1: conducting a comprehensive assessment
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 1: conducting...

One of the first steps in developing a multisectoral action plan (MSAP) is to use a situation analysis to provide a  comprehensive assessment...

Download
Read More
Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 3: establishing a framework for action
19 April 2022

Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for noncommunicable diseases: module 3: establishing...

A framework for action provides a guide for those involved in the development of the multisectoral action plan. It starts with a wide-ranging vision and,...

Download
Read More
be healthy be mobile diabetes
2 January 2016

Mobile Health for Diabetes Prevention and Management (mDiabetes)

A population-based diabetes prevention programme should account for the wide diversity of individuals and their motivation to change their lifestyle. While...

Download
Read More