More or Less Is RFK Jr right about China's diabetes rate?
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Nov 8, 2025 
Dianna Magliano, a diabetes epidemiologist and co-author of the Diabetes Atlas, dives into the alarming rise of diabetes worldwide. She debunks claims that 50% of China's population is diabetic, noting the actual rate is around 11.9%. Dianna discusses how urbanization, changing diets, and genetics have fueled this surge in diabetes rates. They also highlight the concerning trend of type 2 diabetes appearing in younger populations and express cautious optimism about improving lifestyles in wealthier countries.
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Genetics And Ethnicity Shape Risk
- Ethnic and genetic differences affect diabetes risk; some groups are more susceptible.
- People from Asia, India, Pakistan and Indigenous populations have higher risk than white Europeans.
Global Diabetes Is Huge And Underestimated
- Global diabetes affects around 590 million people, mostly type 2.
- This figure likely underestimates true prevalence due to underdiagnosis in some countries.
China's Diabetes Rate Is About 12%
- RFK Jr.'s claim China has 50% diabetic is mathematically impossible given global totals.
- Professor Dianna Magliano says China's adult prevalence is about 11.9%, not 50%.
