It is estimated that there are nearly 350 million adults with diabetes. Type 2
diabetes accounts for over 90% of this burden. The International Diabetes
Federation (IDF) estimates that diabetes resulted in almost 4 million deaths
in 2007. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the
number of people affected worldwide will grow to more than 470 million
by 2030, the majority in low to middle-income countries. A powerful dose
association exists between obesity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
(Figure 1.1). The WHO estimates that more than 1 billion adults are over
their ideal body weight, at least 300 million of them being clinically obese.
The prevention of type 2 diabetes is a pressing public health issue. Translating
the results of studies that have shown that intensive lifestyle measures
i.e. weight reduction and increased levels of physical activity, can avert or
postpone progression to diabetes is a formidable challenge.
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