Diabetes The International Diabetes Federation reports that the number of diabetics in the world is expected to increase from 194 million in 2003 to 330 million by 2030, when 3 of every 4 sufferers will live in developing countries. Because diabetics are far more frequently under the age of 65 in developing nations, the complications of micro- and macrovascular disease take a far greater toll. In 2005, an estimated million people died of diabetes-related illnesses, and 80% of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Obesity and Tobacco Use In 2004, the WHO released its Global Strategy on Diet,. | Chapter 002. Global Issues in Medicine Part 11 Diabetes The International Diabetes Federation reports that the number of diabetics in the world is expected to increase from 194 million in 2003 to 330 million by 2030 when 3 of every 4 sufferers will live in developing countries. Because diabetics are far more frequently under the age of 65 in developing nations the complications of micro- and macrovascular disease take a far greater toll. In 2005 an estimated million people died of diabetes-related illnesses and 80 of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Obesity and Tobacco Use In 2004 the WHO released its Global Strategy on Diet Physical Activity and Health which focused on the population-wide promotion of healthy diet and regular physical activity in an effort to reduce the growing global problem of overweight and obesity. Passing this strategy at the World Health Assembly proved difficult because of strong opposition from the food industry and from a number of WHO member states including the United States. While globalization has had many positive effects one negative aspect has been the growth in both developed and developing countries of well-financed lobbies that have aggressively promoted unhealthy dietary changes and increased consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Foreign direct investment in tobacco beverage and food products in developing countries reached 327 million in 2002 a figure nearly five times greater than the amount spent during that year to address NCDs by bilateral funding agencies the WHO and the World Bank combined. The Three Pillars of Prevention The WHO estimates that 80 of all cases of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes as well as 40 of all cancers can be prevented through the three pillars of healthy diet physical activity and avoidance of tobacco. While there is some evidence that population-based measures can have some impact on these behaviors it is sobering to note that increasing obesity levels have .
