Global and societal implications of the diabetes epidemic.
Changes in human behaviour and lifestyle over the last century have resulted in a dramatic increase in the incidence of diabetes worldwide. The epidemic is chiefly of type 2 diabetes and also the associated conditions known as 'diabesity' and 'metabolic syndrome'. In conjunction with genetic susceptibility, particularly in certain ethnic groups, type 2 diabetes is brought on by environmental and behavioural factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, overly rich nutrition and obesity. The prevention of diabetes and control of its micro- and macrovascular complications will require an integrated, international approach if we are to see significant reduction in the huge premature morbidity and mortality it causes.
Zimmet
P
P
International Diabetes Institute, 260 Kooyong Road, Caulfield, Victoria 3162, Australia. pzimmet@idi.org.au
Alberti
K G
KG
Shaw
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005544:Forecasting; D014943:Global Health; D018149:Glucose Intolerance; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome; D015995:Prevalence; D012961:Sociology