Rising Global Pandemic
PRESS RELEASE
Rising Global Pandemic
IDF warned of the rising global pandemic in type 2 diabetes and public health implications in a press conference at its 17th Congress
Diabetes will be one of the most challenging public health problems of the 21st century according to experts speaking today at a press conference at the 17th International Diabetes Federation Congress in Mexico City.
”Diabetes is a chronic and incurable condition, which requires permanent treatment and the active participation of the affected person. It is now affecting more than 150 million people worldwide and predicted to rise to 300 million by 2025,” warned Ms María L de Alva, IDF President. The triennial Congress, which this year marks the 50th anniversary of the International Diabetes Federation, is the pre-eminent diabetes meeting which gathers the global diabetes community to discuss issues and share insights about the worldwide impact of the condition.
“The situation is particularly worrying in developing countries, where detection is poor and insulin not always available and where the availability of care, access to care and organization of care cause frequent problems,” pointed out IDF President-Elect, Professor Sir George Alberti. “The IDF must focus on the developing world and become an even more effective advocate for people with diabetes in every corner of the world”.
Also present at the press conference was Professor Clive Cockram, Chair of the IDF Western Pacific Region, who warned of the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes among the younger age groups. “Another concern is that type 2 diabetes, traditionally associated with being over 40 years of age and overweight, is creeping into younger age groups, particularly in the developing worlds,” said Professor Cockram. “The cause of the rise appears to be lifestyle changes. People tend to eat more and fattier foods, they are less active due to increased mechanization at all levels and they have chronic stress. All these facts contribute to obesity, which, together with ageing and family history, is one of the main factors causing diabetes.”
Currently one in ten of the adult population in the developed world will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease causes around 65% of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes and diabetes is currently the fourth leading cause of death in many countries. According to Professor Eberhard Standl of the Munich Diabetes Research Institute, “Cardiovascular disease resulting from type 2 diabetes is rapidly becoming epidemic, particularly in many newly industrializing countries, resulting not only in a high death rate but also in significant disability and suffering. Up to 20% of people with type 2 diabetes have angina and carry a risk of heart attack similar to the non-diabetic population who have already suffered one heart attack.”
To curb the further rise of type 2 diabetes and its costly complications, all speakers agreed on the importance of prevention and education: “There is clear evidence that the number of type 2 diabetes cases could be significantly reduced by early effective intervention” said Professor Alberti. “Walk more, eat less” was his message. Diabetes education is a key element in the effective treatment and management of the condition.
This was reinforced by nutritionist Maria del Pilar Carreno who explained that whether people have diabetes or not, they should eat healthily, exercise regularly, have periodic medical check-ups and lead an active social life. This is underlined by this year’s World Diabetes Day campaign, whose theme is “Diabetes and Lifestyle in the New Millennium”.
A good example of healthy lifestyle is Ms Nicole Johnson who was elected Miss America 1999. “Self-management is key in the treatment of diabetes and there are several ways to accomplish this. It is important to manage your diabetes in order to live an active life.” Ms Johnson encouraged the media to take an active role in stopping the rise of this costly condition. “Media have the vehicle to save many lives.”
IDF will play a huge part this century to prevent the increase in type 2 diabetes, and ensure that no person with diabetes is disadvantaged due to socio-economic status and geography.
The press conference has been made possible thanks to the support of Novartis Pharma AG. Journalists had the opportunity to test their blood glucose levels, with meters given by Roche Diagnostics and LifeScan Inc.
