Global epidemic of type 2 diabetes: implications for developing countries.

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in many populations. Current estimates suggest that the number of persons with diabetes will reach 250 million by 2010 and 300 million by 2025. The majority of these patients will have type 2 diabetes and reside in developing countries. Type 2 diabetes and its associated long-term complications continue to accelerate among patients who reside in developing countries. Apart from microscopic complications, cardiovascular disease, with its attending morbidity and mortality, is on the rise in the developing countries. Current evidence suggests that environmental factors are major determinants of the increasing rates of diabetes. Addressing these environmental factors offers a unique opportunity for preventing diabetes; health programs that aim to encourage physical activity and discourage (or limit) overweight and obesity deserve significant attention. Prevention must be the cornerstone for international health organizations and ministries of health in developing countries as they plan diabetes management programs.