The following are the current statistics from the International Diabetes Federation, the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Disease Control:

 

• There are more people worldwide dying of Diabetes complications than there are of AIDS.
• Every 8 seconds a person dies from Diabetes-related causes.
• Every 30 seconds a lower limb is amputated worldwide.
• At least 50% of all people with Diabetes are unaware of their condition.  In some countries, this figure may reach 80%.
• Up to 80% of Type 2 Diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.
• Diabetes is the largest cause of kidney failure and blindness.
• 95% of Diabetics are Type 2; 90% of the complications are in Type 2 Diabetics.
• All damage caused by elevated blood glucose levels is not reversible.
• There is no known cure for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.
• Every day 200 children develop Type 1 Diabetes.
• Every year 70 000 children under the age of 15 develop Type 1 Diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes in children is becoming a global public health issue with potentially serious outcomes.
• Type 2 Diabetes affects children in both developed and developing countries.
• 30% of children born in the year 2000 are expected to become Diabetic if lifestyle changes are not made.