International Diabetes Federation

Diabetes is particularly common among middle-aged and older adults. According to IHS, the age adjusted diabetes mortality rate was at 70 percent for AIANs in 2004 while it was 20 percent all races nationally. Diabetes is increasing faster in the world’s developing economies than in developed countries.

Seven out of ten countries with the highest number of people living with diabetes are in the developing world. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in Ohio and the sixth leading cause of death listed on death certificates in the United States. It is also very costly.

Diabetes is a growing global health threat. In 2007, the International Diabetes Federation estimated 246 million people with diabetes around the world. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.

Type 1 diabetes is growing by 3% per year in children and adolescents, and at an alarming 5% per year among pre-school children. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada and the cost of diabetes is estimated to be up to $9 billion a year.