Diabetes and CVD Expected to Pose Global Public Health Challenges

UNWire
2001-08-13

The International Diabetes Foundation warns of the global impact of impaired glucose tolerance and urges that preventive action be taken.

From the UNFoundation News Wire

Disease Expected To Be Major Health Challenge

Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are expected to be the biggest health challenges facing governments in the future, according to professor Paul Zimmet, an official at the World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Melbourne. "It is essential that we take action now to prevent these diseases from escalating further," he said over the weekend at a meeting of the International Diabetes Federation.

Impaired glucose tolerance affects more than 200 million people around the world, Zimmet said. In industrialized countries, about one-seventh of adults over 40 are affected by the condition, according to the foundation. Zimmet said weight control and adequate physical activity reduce the risk of developing the disease but many people ignore advice on lifestyle changes, meaning medicines may be necessary (International Diabetes Federation release, 6 Aug).

The information above appeared in the Friday, 10 August 2001 issue of UNWire, Copyright, National Journal Group, 2001. Please visit The UNFoundation for more information.