The Growing Epidemic of Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND

During the past decades, the prevalence of diabetes (DM) has increased significantly, mainly as a result of continuous rise in the incidence of type 2 DM. According to World Health Organization statistics, >422 million adults globally were suffering from DM in 2014 and a continuous rise in DM prevalence is expected.

OBJECTIVE

The present review considers recent epidemiological data providing worldwide estimates regarding the incidence of DM.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify available data from epidemiological studies evaluating the current burden of DM.

RESULTS

Over the past few decades the prevalence of DM has risen significantly in nearly all countries and may be considered as a growing epidemic. Urbanization and income status are major factors which influence current rates in the prevalence studies introducing interesting differences between several population groups.

CONCLUSION

Having recognized the global burden of DM, we now realize the urgent need for effective interventions. In order to monitor the public-health strategies and design effective future interventions we need reliable global estimates regarding the prevalence of DM.