• Diabetes could become the worst pandemic of the 21st century. Today, already more than 246 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is expected to increase by 7 million people every year, killing as many people as HIV/AIDS.
• Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes. At the present rate, the number of those with diabetes globally may grow to more than 380 million people by 2025. The largest increases in diabetes prevalence will take place in developing countries.
• Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease. Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes. Each year 3.8 million deaths are attributable to diabetes.
• In 2007, the five countries with the largest numbers of people with diabetes are India (40.9 million), China (39.8 million), the United States (19.2 million), Russia (9.6 million) and Germany (7.4 million).
• 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.

    Some of my relatives died because of diabetes complications and my professional life, is linked to diabetes. António Dulcídio S. P. Coelho pintocoelhoantonio @ gmail.com