News

This article discusses the growing global health crisis posed by diabetes and obesity, particularly in newly industrialized and developing nations. Over the last four decades, there has been a significant increase in type 2 diabetes, particularly in populations that have adopted a more Westernized lifestyle. This shift is closely linked with globalization and the associated changes in lifestyle, such as increased sedentary behavior and higher calorie consumption.

The article highlights the alarming rise in type 2 diabetes, which is predicted to become a major public health challenge in the 21st century. By 2025, it is estimated that over 333 million people worldwide will have diabetes, with the number potentially doubling in regions like Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The increase in diabetes is expected to place a significant burden on healthcare systems, especially in developing countries where the economic and social impact will be profound.

Furthermore, the article underscores the interconnected nature of diabetes and obesity, often referred to as the "metabolic syndrome" or "syndrome X," which includes a cluster of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The once-overlooked condition of obesity is now recognized as a major contributor to the rise in diabetes, and together, these conditions are creating a global epidemic with far-reaching health and economic consequences.