World Diabetes Congress to be crucial for diabetes awareness

Thu, 01 Dec 2011
It is hoped that the forthcoming World Diabetes Congress in Dubai will help build momentum regarding global diabetes awareness in what has been termed a landmark year by its organisers. The congress, which starts on December 4, follows the recent United Nations summit on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

The event is taking place at an important juncture for diabetes, which organisers, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) also hopes will be a catalyst to kick-start a greater understanding of the metabolic condition.

The congress is intended as a way of educating governments around the world concerning the most cost-effective ways of dealing with diabetes, especially as there are now an estimated 366 million people worldwide who have the condition, with a further 280 million at a high risk of developing it. IDF are also expecting over 550 million to be affected by the disease and another nearly 400 million to be at high risk by 2030 if the current increase in prevalence continues.

Jean Claude Mbanya, president of the IDF has stated that "Progressive urbanization, increased life expectancy, and economic development associated with a shift to unhealthy lifestyles have resulted in a huge explosion in type 2 diabetes in the region over the last 30 years."

He added "we recognise that combating diabetes requires a long term vision, sustained political will and a response which will take decades. We are in this for the long haul."

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