Let's fight diabetes together!

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

The International Diabetes Foundation is calling for a United Nations resolution on diabetes to show the world how serious the problem has become.
According to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) nearly six per cent of the world's population now lives with diabetes. The new data shows that previous figures were an underestimate. What is more, the numbers with diabetes are set to rise, with those in developing countries being most affected. In less than 20 years, there could be 350 million people in the world with diabetes - unless we act now.

That is why IDF wants the United Nations to put forward a resolution on diabetes. The Foundation has just launched its 'Unite for Diabetes' campaign which has this as a major aim. A UN resolution could have a powerful impact, raising awareness globally and helping improve diabetes care. Diabetes is a major cause of death worldwide - killing one person every ten seconds. If it continues to increase, life expectancies could decrease globally for the first time in 200 years. It is time the international community acted to fight this threat. In fact, 80 per cent of type 2 diabetes could be prevented or managed better by a healthy lifestyle. Type I diabetes is not preventable and affects mainly younger people. It, too, is on the rise and needs to be tackled. The scale of the problem is such that a global solution, led by the United Nations and supported by governments is the only approach.

Source
International Diabetes Foundation 10th June 2006

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