China - China Set to Be Overwhelmed by Diabetes

World Diabetes Day 2011 marks the release of the International Diabetes Federation's 5th edition of the Diabetes Atlas.

New figures indicate that the number of people living with diabetes is expected to rise from 366 million in 2011 to 552 million by 2030.In the Western Pacific region 131.9 million people or 8.5 percent of the adult population have diabetes. China remains top of the global diabetes figures, with 90 million people living with diabetes.

The Western Pacific region also has the highest number of deaths attributed to diabetes. 15 percent of all deaths are due to diabetes in 2011. Nearly half of deaths due to diabetes in the region occurred in the most productive years under the age of 60. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that there are still 73.5 million people who don't know they have diabetes.

"It is alarming to see that for the second year China is top of global cases of diabetes" said Yutaka Seino, Chair of IDF's Western Pacific Region, "we are particularly worried that across the region more men, around 973.000, in their most productive years are dying as a result of the disease. This can only have a negative impact".

The regional figures echo the shocking increase in diabetes on a global level. "In every country and in every community worldwide, we are losing the battle against this cruel and deadly disease" said Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) "We want World Diabetes Day 2011 to bring these alarming diabetes facts into the global spotlight. We demand that public and world leaders act on diabetes now".

The release of these figures follow the September meeting of 193 Heads of State and government at the UN in New York to agree on a Political Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) including diabetes.

IDF is continuing to draw awareness to the regional diabetes epidemic by investing in the Western Pacific region through a study in China. The study aimsto gather data and information on type 1 diabetes in China. The results will be used to advocate for type 1 diabetes improved care.

It is hoped that campaigns such as this will continue to raise the voice of people with diabetes and move advocacy to action on a global scale.

About World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. This year sees the third of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes.

www.worlddiabetesday.org

About the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organisation of over 200 national diabetes associations in over 160 countries. It represents the interests of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk. The Federation has been leading the global diabetes community since 1950. IDF's mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. Led by the International Diabetes Federation, the Unite for Diabetes campaign secured a United Nations Resolution on diabetes in December 2006. www.idf.org

For more information on the 5th edition Diabetes Atlas and country-by-country statistics visit: http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/

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