A piece by AFP (Agence France Presse) notes a disturbing recent report, from the prestigious Centre for Disease Control in the USA.
Diabetes cases climb to nearly 26 million in US
Friday, 28 January 2011
As reported by the CDC, the number of diabetics in the United States has grown to nearly 26 million, a 10 percent increase over 2008
“These distressing numbers show how important it is to prevent type 2 diabetes and to help those who have diabetes,” said Ann Albright, director of the CDC’s diabetes translation division.
‘We know that a structured lifestyle program that includes losing weight and increasing physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.’
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of the cases. The condition arises when the body gradually loses its capacity to produce and use insulin to regulate sugar levels in the blood.
In 2008, 7.8 percent of the US population, or 23.6 million people, had diabetes and 57 million adults were classified as pre-diabetic with higher than normal blood sugar levels, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC found that the number with diabetes has since climbed to 26 million people and 79 million more are now considered to be pre-diabetic, which increases their risk of heart disease and stroke.
The CDC estimates that around 27 percent of Americans with diabetes, or around seven million, are not aware of it.
Last year, the CDC warned that one in three American adults could be diabetic by 2050 if the current trends persist.
As a postscript—I would add to paragraph three that, in my experience, changes in the way you eat also play a role in controlling the condition.
Robin Ellis 
Very insightful report on a burgeoning problem. As a non-diabetic individual who is cognizant of the need to preserve good health, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book as it appears to have much potential for assisting in the maintenance of good health and staving off all manner of illness.