Diabetes is first pandemic of 21st century

People looking to maintain their digestive health could be interested to hear the latest developments surrounding type 2 diabetes.

According to the Daily Telegraph, medical professionals are calling the disease the first pandemic of the 21st century.

With figures from the World Health Organisation revealing that the condition affects 220 million people internationally, doctors have urged individuals to take action to lower their blood sugar.

The rise in patients is also placing increasing pressure on the NHS to fund the ongoing treatment associated with type 2 diabetes, chairman of Diabetes UK Professor Sir George Alberti noted.

He added: “If trends continue, 60 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women will be obese by 2050 and the majority will either have type 2 diabetes or be at high risk.”

Yesterday (June 12th), the charity announced the launch of Diabetes Week 2011, which aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of the illness as well as offering advice to diagnosed patients.