Some 422 million adults worldwide have diabetes, four times more than in 1980, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) first global report released on World Health Day , April 7.
“In 2008, there were an estimated 347 million people with diabetes worldwide and in 2012 diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths, over 80% of which occurred in low- and middle-income countries. “ underlines the WHO which estimates that in 2030, diabetes will be the 7th cause of death in the world.
Many cases of diabetes are preventable
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes due to lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas. It affects about 10% of diabetics and mainly affects young people.
Type 2 diabetes is due to the improper use of insulin by the body’s cells. It is much more common and accounts for 90% of diabetes. In France, it affects approximately 3 million people, or 4.7% of the population. Numbers that increase every year due to poor eating habits and an increasingly sedentary daily life.
The World Health Day campaign will raise awareness of the rise of diabetes, its enormous burden and its consequences, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A high proportion of diabetes is preventable. Experience has shown that simple lifestyle changes can be effective in preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a normal weight, la regular practice of physical exerciseand a healthy diet can reduce the risk of disease.
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