Diabetes: The epidemic of the 21st century – 10 facts about Diabetes

• It is an epidemic disease affecting about 422 million people worldwide.
• It is estimated that 10,3% of the Cyprus population suffers from Diabetes – that’s 90 thousand people.
• Every 15 seconds, an amputation takes place somewhere in the world due to Diabetes complications.
• Every 6 seconds, somewhere in the world a life is lost due to Diabetes.
• Diabetes is thought to be the 7^th leading cause of death worldwide by the year 2030.
• Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 50% to 80% of deaths of people with Diabetes.
• Failure to treat Diabetes in an early stage may cause foot complications.
• Diabetes may be the main cause of vision loss, amputation and kidney failure.
• Obesity, sedentary lifestyle and family history contribute to the development of the disease.
• Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented.
• 1 in 2 people with Diabetes do not know they have it.