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Diabetics may number 221 million by 2010
LONDON (Agence de Presse Medicale for Reuters Health) - Rates of
diabetes will continue to rise dramatically - with more than 200
million people globally affected by 2010 - unless action is taken
to improve diet and lifestyle, the British Medical Association said
on Tuesday.
A BMA Board of Science report says 8 percent of people in Europe
and the U.S. already have diabetes.
By 2010, it is estimated the worldwide diabetic population will
have risen to 221 million - more than twice the 1994 figure.
In Britain alone, diabetes affected around 1.3 million people,
consuming a lot of time in general practice and 10 percent of hospital
resources. By 2010, the number of UK patients could be as high as
three million.
The global explosion in diabetes was largely the result of social
and behavioural changes, the report says. It highlights obesity
as a key factor in the increased incidence of non-insulin dependent
diabetes in children.
The report says healthcare professionals have a role to play in
prevention and early detection of the condition. Good and regular
healthcare was needed to keep diabetics healthy.
Dr. Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the BMA,
said in a statement: "The effective management of diabetes
depends largely on the lifestyle choices people make.
"For example, it is essential that diabetics give up smoking
and eat healthily. However, people need to be supported in making
these choices, and systems must be in place that allow healthcare
professionals to deliver integrated and individual care."
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