The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that death rates from COVID-19 are much higher in diabetes patients in Africa, where the number of people with diabetes is increasing fast. 

An analysis of data from 13 countries in Africa noted that there was a case fatality rate  of 10.2% in COVID-19 patients with diabetes, in comparison with 2.5% for COVID-19 patients overall. WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said that COVID is giving a clear message - fighting the diabetes epidemic in Africa is as significant as the fight against COVID-19. As per the health agency, about 70% of people with diabetes in Africa were not aware that they had the disease.

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of people with diabetes in Africa may reach 55 million by 2045, up from 24 million this year… (Reuters, November 11, 2021)