Diabetes Epidemic Is a Worldwide Threat

Abstract

Each triennium the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) hosts a worldwide Congress at which physicians, nurses, patients, and scientists share their knowledge, experience, and concerns regarding progress in the fight against diabetes. The most recent Congress was held in late August 2003, in Paris. More than 17,000 people participated. This included representatives of 180 national diabetes associations from around the world. Sir George Alberti, the outgoing president of the IDF, opened the meeting with a plenary address. He highlighted some of the demographic issues that are creating a worldwide threat from diabetes. Certainly, here in the United States, we see dramatic increases in the prevalence rates of diabetes and obesity. These are particular issues in several ethnic communities including Hispanic, Native-American, and African-American populations. We know very well that changes in lifestyle, including decreasing physical activity and expanded dietary intake, are major contributors. It should be no surprise that this same issue is occurring not only in other developed countries but increasingly within …