The rising tide of type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The number of people with diabetes is now considered to have reached epidemic proportions. Globally more the 150 million people have diabetes, accounting for more than 2% of the world's population and 3—5% of adults in most westernised societies. The incidence rates of type 1 and particularly type 2 diabetes are increasing in all societies and on all continents. Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 95% of all diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is highly prevalent in the elderly and is now emerging in childhood. In developed countries diabetes and its complications constitute the fourth or fifth leading cause of death, and type 2 diabetes reduces remaining lifespan by 5—10 years. Diabetes (all types) is estimated to affect about 2.4 million people (prevalence of 4%) in the UK, of whom 1.4 million (prevalence of 2.5%) are diagnosed and one million undiagnosed. With the global prevalence of diabetes predicted to exceed 220 million by 2010 and 300 million by 2025 there is a major international challenge for optimal intervention and prevention strategies.