Diabetes explosion likely in Asia

Diabetes, already a global problem affecting much of the world, is set to explode in Asia . As many as 60 per cent of new cases could occur in Asia, according to the Journal of the American Medicine Association. Those diabetics in Asia are likely to be younger, but less likely to be overweight .
The study indicates that numbers could soar by a third by 2025, with diabetic populations soaring in both low and income countries. Diabetes trends in Asia, according to the researchers, are linked to cultural differences, smoking, urbanisation and the erosion of traditional lifestyles.
Although rates of obesity are low in Asia, changing diets and sedentary lifestyle practices are spreading rapidly. Although people with diabetes in Asia have lower rates of fat, diabetes prevalence is likely to be similar or higher than western countries.