Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

This chapter reviews a number of aspects of the epidemiology of type 2diabetes, and the evidence relating to the major issues. There is strongevidence for a rising epidemic of diabetes in many countries of theworld, although the prevalence and incidence of diabetes varies markedlyamong regions, countries within regions, and by ethnicity. Some of theincrease in prevalence is attributed to increased Survival with thecondition, but it is likely that there is a genuine increase inincidence, associated with lifestyle changes, such as reduced exerciseand particularly increased obesity. This also seems to be causing theappearance of type 2 diabetes in new groups, such as children andadolescents, although the older population remains the most affected.The material linking obesity with type 2 diabetes is overwhelming, asprevalence and incidence studies have both shown strong associationsamong many ethnicities, and intervention studies have shown benefits oflife style modification, through exercise and diet. Specific dietaryfactors: lower dietary fibre, higher total and lower polyunsaturated fathave all been linked to higher diabetes incidence. These lifestylefactors are closely linked with economic situation in the community, andthere is a contrasting pattern between developed and developingcountries, such that diabetes is more common amongst the least affluentin developed Countries, but increased affluence currently seems to beassociated with diabetes in developing countries.