Surreal illustration of diabetes trend in Korea with healthy lifestyle choices.

Diabetes in Korea: Unpacking the Trends, Risks, and What You Can Do

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Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"A deep dive into the rising rates of diabetes in Korea, exploring the key factors, and practical steps for prevention and management."


Diabetes is a growing global health concern, and Korea is no exception. The disease and its related complications have become significant contributors to illness and death in the country. What's particularly striking is the rapid increase in diabetes prevalence in Korea over the past decades.

In fact, the prevalence has surged six to sevenfold, jumping from 1.5% to 9.9% in just 40 years. Alongside this, the number of people with impaired fasting glucose – a precursor to diabetes – has also risen sharply, reaching around 20% of the population by 2009.

Experts predict that this trend will continue, with estimates suggesting that 11.4% of Koreans will have diabetes by 2030. Factors contributing to this rise include age, gender, obesity, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, smoking, decreased physical activity, and even short sleep duration. Understanding these factors is crucial for taking proactive steps to manage your risk.

Diabetes Prevalence in Korea: Key Findings from Cohort Studies

Surreal illustration of diabetes trend in Korea with healthy lifestyle choices.

One of the earliest studies on diabetes in Korea took place in 1971 in a rural area of Okku-gun. Using specific glucose level criteria after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), the study found a diabetes prevalence of 0.91% among those aged 10 years and older. When looking specifically at adults aged 30 and over, the prevalence was 1.5%.

In the 1980s, a large healthcare center-based survey provided further insights. This survey diagnosed diabetes based on fasting glucose and 1-hour glucose levels after an OGTT. The prevalence among those aged 10 and over was 3.5%. Interestingly, the prevalence increased with age, ranging from 2.2% in the second decade of life to 10.7% in the eighth decade. The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was found to be 8.0%.

  • 1990-1992 (KMIC Data): A study focusing on civil servants and private school workers found a diabetes prevalence of 4.7% in men and 1.3% in women, using a fasting blood glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL as the diagnostic criterion.
  • 1993 (Yonchon County): A population-based cohort study in Yonchon County, using a standard 75g OGTT, reported a diabetes prevalence of 7.2%, which was significantly higher than previous findings. The prevalence of IGT was 8.9%.
  • 1998 (Urban Communities): An epidemiologic study in Seoul revealed an 8.5% prevalence of diabetes and a 7.8% prevalence of impaired glucose regulation (IGR), which includes both IGT and impaired fasting glucose (IFG). This highlighted that urban areas may have slightly higher rates compared to rural areas.
  • 2001-2002 (National Study): A large-scale community-based cohort study showed a diabetes prevalence of 12.6%, which included both known and newly diagnosed cases. This data underscored the rapidly increasing trend of diabetes in Korea.
These studies collectively demonstrate the increasing trend of diabetes in Korea over time. Factors such as urbanization, lifestyle changes, and improved detection methods likely contribute to the observed rise in prevalence. The data emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and proactive prevention efforts.

Taking Action: Steps to Combat the Rise of Diabetes

The increasing prevalence of diabetes in Korea is a serious public health issue. However, the research also highlights that diabetes can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes, weight management, and, in some cases, medication. It's crucial to be aware of the risk factors and take proactive steps to manage your health.

Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is key. For those at high risk, regular screening for diabetes and prediabetes is essential for early detection and intervention. If you have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or have other risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

By raising awareness, promoting healthy habits, and ensuring access to screening and prevention programs, we can collectively work towards reducing the burden of diabetes in Korea and improving the health and well-being of the population.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4093/dmj.2011.35.4.303, Alternate LINK

Title: The Epidemiology Of Diabetes In Korea

Subject: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Journal: Diabetes & Metabolism Journal

Publisher: Korean Diabetes Association

Authors: Dae Jung Kim

Published: 2011-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What are the primary risk factors contributing to the increasing prevalence of diabetes in Korea?

Based on studies conducted in Korea, key risk factors contributing to the rise of diabetes include age, gender, obesity, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, smoking, decreased physical activity, and even short sleep duration. Recognizing and addressing these factors is essential for proactive health management.

2

How have the diagnostic criteria for diabetes varied across different cohort studies conducted in Korea, and how might this affect the results?

Cohort studies in Korea have utilized various diagnostic criteria. Early studies like the one in Okku-gun in 1971 used specific glucose level criteria after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Later studies incorporated fasting glucose levels, while others, such as the KMIC data study, used a fasting blood glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL. The Yonchon County study used a standard 75g OGTT. These varying methods influence the reported diabetes prevalence.

3

What is the difference between impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and impaired glucose regulation (IGR), and why are these conditions important to understand in the context of diabetes?

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is a condition where fasting blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are higher than normal after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Impaired Glucose Regulation (IGR) includes both IGT and IFG, indicating a broader category of glucose abnormalities that increase diabetes risk.

4

How has the prevalence of diabetes changed between the earliest studies in Korea and more recent ones, and what factors might explain this change?

The study in Okku-gun in 1971 found a diabetes prevalence of 0.91% among those aged 10 years and older, while the urban communities study in Seoul in 1998 revealed an 8.5% prevalence. The national study conducted in 2001-2002 showed a prevalence of 12.6%. This increase reflects factors like urbanization, lifestyle changes, and improved detection methods that influence the observed rise in diabetes prevalence in Korea over time.

5

What are some actionable steps that individuals in Korea can take to prevent or manage diabetes, and how can these steps address the key risk factors identified?

To combat the rising rates of diabetes, proactive steps include lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular screenings for diabetes are also crucial, especially for individuals with risk factors like obesity, a family history of diabetes, or a history of gestational diabetes. In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications.

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