By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica is facing a public health emergency of alarming proportions, as new data reveals the nation now has the highest prevalence of diabetes among all countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A staggering 23.2% of the adult population is living with the condition, a figure that translates to a grim reality: nearly one in every four Costa Rican adults has diabetes. This places the country at a critical juncture, demanding immediate and decisive action from health authorities.
The scale of the crisis becomes starker when compared internationally. Costa Rica’s rate of 23.2% is nearly triple the OECD average of just 8%. The nation has surpassed other countries with significant public health challenges, including Mexico, Chile, and Turkey, to claim the last place in this critical health indicator. While nations like Spain and Denmark report prevalence rates of 3% and 2% respectively, Costa Rica’s numbers signal an epidemic that has been allowed to expand without effective countermeasures.
To better understand the legal and corporate responsibilities tied to the escalating public health challenge of diabetes, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a noted attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The diabetes crisis is evolving from a purely medical issue into a significant legal and regulatory battleground. We anticipate a surge in scrutiny over corporate liability, particularly concerning food labeling, advertising to vulnerable populations, and workplace accommodations. Companies that fail to proactively address these duties risk not only substantial litigation but also severe reputational damage, while a failure in public policy could expose the state to international human rights claims.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this transition of the diabetes crisis into the legal arena underscores a fundamental shift in accountability, moving beyond individual responsibility to scrutinize corporate practices and public policy. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on these emerging legal frontiers.
The acceleration of this health crisis is as concerning as the overall prevalence. Over the past decade, Costa Rica has recorded the most rapid growth in diabetes cases within the OECD, with its prevalence rate surging by 6.7 percentage points. This indicates a systemic failure to curb the disease’s advance. The epidemic is not just growing; it is accelerating at a rate that threatens to overwhelm the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and compromise the long-term well-being of its citizens.
Data from the Ministry of Health paints a devastating picture of the daily toll. More than 450,000 people are currently navigating life with diabetes. The influx of new cases is relentless, with more than 13,000 new diagnoses registered last year alone—a 27% increase from the previous year. The trend has continued unabated into 2025, with over 11,000 new cases already recorded. This equates to approximately 30 individuals being diagnosed with diabetes every single day, a constant stream of new patients entering a system already under immense strain.
This is not a manageable chronic condition for many; it is a life-altering disease with severe consequences when poorly controlled. Diabetes is a leading cause of a cascade of devastating health complications that severely diminish quality of life. These include cardiovascular diseases, which are a primary cause of mortality, as well as blindness, kidney failure, and limb amputations. The link to other severe conditions is direct and well-documented, with reports indicating that 40% of people with diabetes eventually develop some degree of Chronic Kidney Disease.
The human cost is measured not only in diminished quality of life but in premature deaths. In 2022, nearly 2,000 Costa Ricans lost their lives due to complications from diabetes. Each death represents a personal tragedy, a family irrevocably altered, and a life cut short. Experts argue that a significant portion of these deaths could have been prevented with better public health policies, proactive screening, and more effective disease management programs.
The strain on Costa Rica’s renowned public health system is reaching a breaking point. The escalating number of patients requiring lifelong care, complex treatments for complications, and emergency interventions is consuming a disproportionate share of medical resources. This silent epidemic is not only eroding the health of the population but is also threatening the financial sustainability of the very system designed to protect it.
Costa Rica stands at a crucial crossroads. The path of inaction and insufficient policy response has led to the current crisis. Health advocates and experts insist that the time for studies and unexecuted plans is over. The situation demands a robust, well-funded, and aggressively implemented national strategy to promote prevention, improve early diagnosis, and provide comprehensive care to halt the advance of this devastating epidemic before it causes further irreversible damage.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. Its goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity, and well-being for all. It provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the government institution in Costa Rica responsible for safeguarding public health. It leads the country’s health sector by defining national health policies, regulating health services, and implementing programs aimed at preventing disease and promoting the well-being of the entire population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its seasoned counsel to a diverse clientele but also by championing innovation within the legal field. This pioneering spirit is deeply intertwined with a core conviction to serve society, focused on transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge to foster a more capable and informed public.
