Third Diabetes Atlas out now

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has taken the lead in producing a publication, which provides the necessary information on the prevalence of diabetes, its risk factors and state of diabetes care worldwide. For the second time WDF has contributed financially to this essential and important publication. 20 years of epidemiological studies recognize that it is the developing countries that presently face the greatest burden of diabetes. However, many governments and public health planners still remain largely unaware of the current magnitude, or, more importantly, the future threat from diabetes and its serious complications. It is our hope that the Diabetes Atlas Third Edition will play an important part in enlightening the global community on the magnitude of the diabetes problem. Governments must improve access to healthy choices In the introduction, Robert Beaglehole, Director, Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, Non communicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster, WHO, says: “Although we have been extremely vigilant towards the spread of infectious diseases, such as SARS and avian influenza in recent years, we have failed to keep in check with the ‘silent killers’ like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. These are widely perceived to be the result of voluntary choice of an unhealthy lifestyle. However, the choice of lifestyle is very limited among the young and the poor, and government action is needed to improve every person’s access to a healthy life". Diabetes Atlas points out the consequences of inaction by revealing the mortality caused by diabetes as well as the mounting health expenditures in countries around the world. The Atlas brings us face to face with the challenges Diabetes is now one of the most common non communicable disease globally. It is the fourth or fifth leading cause of death in most developed countries and there is substantial evidence that it is reaching epidemic proportions in many developing and newly industrialized nations. Complications from diabetes, such as coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease, stroke, diabetic neuropathy, amputations, renal failure and blindness result in increasing disability, reduced life expectancy and enormous health costs for virtually every society. Diabetes is certain to be one of the most challenging health problems of the 21st century. Prof. Pierre Le Fefébvre, Chairman of the World Diabetes Foundation, says in his capacity as President of IDF; “This edition of the Diabetes Atlas brings us face to face with these issues and challenges. It’s now up to us to take up the challenge and find cost-effective ways to tackle one of the largest health problems we face. We must unite governments, organisations and individuals – to prevent diabetes, to improve diabetes care for the millions affected, and to, ultimately, find a cure”. Important tool for diabetes stakeholders worldwide The 1st edition of the Atlas was published in 2000; the 2nd edition was published in 2003 with financial support from WDF. Renewed support has enabled the publication of the 3rd edition of the Diabetes Atlas which was officially released at the 19th World Congress on Diabetes in Cape Town in December 2006. The Diabetes Atlas, third edition builds on the lessons learned from the previous publications. In addition to providing statistical information for more than 200 countries, the 3rd edition focuses on The Global Burden, The Challenges and Preventive Action. The Atlas will be distributed to key target groups such as national diabetes associations and Ministers of Health and/or Social Affairs, WHO HQ, regional and country offices, WHO collaborating centres and other health organisations and will also be available soon as an e-atlas.   Read more on the WDF support for the Diabetes Atlas IDF Bookstore

The Diabetes Atlas is the most updated publication providing important statistics on the problems of diabetes