|
By the year 2030, diabetes rates are predicted to double even if
the rate of obesity remains steady. Researchers have estimated the
total number of people with diabetes will rise from 171 million
in 2000 to 366 million in 2030.
The study involved observation of type-2 diabetes statistics from
around the world, as a predictor of future trends of diabetes. The
greatest increases were expected in the Middle Eastern Crescent,
sub-Saharan Africa and India. Reports also showed that heart disease
was occurring with increasing frequency in poor countries.
The report attributed factors such as smoking, cheap food and urban
living to the increased rate of heart disease.
Statistics also found that obesity and diabetes rates were up in
the developing areas of the world. The close link between heart
disease and diabetes showed a strong association to an unhealthy
diet and lack of exercise.
Experts have called for more research to address this ever-growing
issue that has reached epidemic proportions in both health and economic
terms. To emphasize the enormity of this problem, a 2001 study projected
that 29 million Americans would be afflicted with diabetes by the
year 2050, compared to the current number, 16 million American people.
Yahoo!
News April 26, 2004
| 