Diabetes a "spiralling epidemic"
Diabetes is a "spiralling epidemic" that will affect up to 380 million people by 2025, Lancet warns
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Friday, 23, May 2008 08:41
Diabetes has become the world's latest "spiralling epidemic" and will affect up to 380 million people by 2025, it has been warned.
The Lancet, which has devoted an entire issue to the disease, said 246 million adults are currently living with the condition.
In an editorial the health journal said its prevalence has parallels with the obesity epidemic spreading through industrialised and developing nations.
Diabetes accounts for more than one in 20 deaths worldwide, half of which are linked to heart disease.
But although the Lancet said the burden on healthcare providers will be "immense", it added the disease was entering an era of "exciting scientific research, discovery and controversy".
"The challenge is to translate research findings into substantial clinical improvements for patients," the editorial stated. "Although prospects are hopeful, they are not assured."
A Department of Health spokesperson told inthenews.co.uk the NHS was making "good progress" to improve care for people with diabetes.
"The number of people getting the key tests and measurements to help prevent or delay the complications of diabetes is rising year on year and in the last two years alone we have identified an extra 200,000 people with undiagnosed diabetes," a statement elaborated.
"However, we know we still have a long way to go to ensure that everyone with diabetes receives high quality care that meets individual needs and goals."