Moroccan Ministry of Health reports 2.7 million adults living with diabetes

The Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection released new data on Saturday, November 14, 2026, to mark World Diabetes Day. The official communication highlighted the growing prevalence of diabetes among the Moroccan population and the significant economic burden the condition places on the national healthcare system. This year, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection focused its message on the theme, "Early intervention against diabetes protects your health."

Prevalence and Health Statistics

According to data from the 2017-2018 National Survey of Common Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases, the prevalence rate of diabetes among Moroccan adults aged 18 and older stands at 10.6%. This equates to approximately 2.7 million Moroccan adults living with the condition. The data also indicates that 10.4% of Moroccan adults are currently in the pre-diabetes stage.

The health challenges extend to younger populations as well. Officials reported that more than 43,000 children in Morocco have been diagnosed with diabetes. A significant concern raised by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is the lack of awareness regarding the disease; officials stated that nearly half of the people living with diabetes in Morocco are unaware of their condition.

Economic Impact and Global Context

The financial cost of managing the disease is rising steadily. According to the National Health Insurance Agency, annual expenditures related to diabetes in Morocco exceeded 1.5 billion MAD in 2021. Furthermore, the agency noted that the annual growth rate for these diabetes-related expenditures exceeds 10%.

The situation in Morocco reflects broader global trends. Globally, more than 589 million adults live with diabetes, and projections suggest this number will reach 853 million by 2050. On a global scale, 43% of people living with diabetes are unaware of their diagnosis. Diabetes remains a significant health threat, as it is ranked among the top ten causes of death worldwide.

Management and Prevention

To address these figures, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is implementing a national program. This initiative operates through primary healthcare institutions and territorial structures to manage the disease and improve patient outcomes. Health officials emphasize that early detection and intervention are critical to protecting long-term health and reducing the economic strain on the national healthcare infrastructure.

Glossary

• National Health Insurance Agency — The National Health Insurance Agency (Morocco) (ANAM) regulates the basic mandatory health insurance system.