1. Diabetes has become a global epidemic, as a result of rapid increases in the number of people who are overweight, obesity and physically inactive.

2. In he next 10 years, it is estimated that total deaths from diabetes will rise by more than 50%. Furthermore, in upper-middle income countries, deaths from diabetes are projected to increase by over 80%.

3. Type 1 diabetes is due to by a lack of insulin production, whilst type 2 diabetes arises from the body’s inability to properly use insulin.

4. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of all diabetes worldwide.

5. Reports of type 2 diabetes in children were previously rare but have been increasing worldwide. In some parts of the world it accounts for nearly half of newly diagnosed cases in children and teenagers.

6. There is a third type of diabetes called gestational diabetes. It is characterized by hyperglycaemia (raised blood sugar) which is first identified during pregnancy.

7. 1.1 million people died from diabetes in 2005. However the real impact is much bigger, because although people may live for a long time with diabetes, their cause of death is often recorded as heart diseases or kidney failure, which are complications arising from diabetes.

8. 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low and middle income regions.

9. A lack of understanding about diabetes, in combination with poor access to health services, can lead to complications such as blindness, amputation and kidney failure.

10. Diabetes can be prevented. Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every other day, combined with a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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Source: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/diabetes/en/