Diabetes climbing in Asia-Pacific

A recent study conducted by the Asia-Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration indicates that as many as 12 per cent of recorded cardiovascular deaths in the region (those related to heart attack and stroke) are down to diabetes. The study is published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Asia is one of the major global diabetes hotspots, with soaring diabetes prevalence rates and an inadequate healthcare infrastructure in many areas. According the one expert, the APCSC study indicates that diabetes is killing more people than previously thought. The researchers raised the point that reducing death from diabetes and heart disease was down to measuring, monitoring and controlling diabetes.
The researchers found high levels of heart disease deaths as a result of diabetes in countries including Tonga, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand . The APCSC is partnered with many medical associations throughout Asia and the Pacific, and funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia, with an unrestricted grant from Pfizer.
A doctor at the APCSC Secretariat reportedly commented: “This study from the APCSC demonstrates that diabetes is causing more deaths than previously realised. Our research has shown the reduction in deaths from heart disease and stroke that could be achieved if diabetes is accurately measured, monitored and controlled in this region.”