Cause and Prevention Diabetes in China - Essay Example

Diabetes is a prolific and debilitating chronic disease that is affecting millions of people all over the world. It is growing at an alarming rate and is expected to double by the year 2030. The disease has a major worldwide impact, particularly on developing countries. There is evidence that a genetic and ethnic component in the cause of diabetes makes those of Asian descent more susceptible. Studies in China are showing that the incidence is markedly increasing in the population, partially due to western influences, diet, a lack of exercise, and a failure of the government to provide sufficient education on the matter. The disease and its complications need to be addressed and attenuated.

Diabetes is one of the most prolific chronic illnesses in the world; with devastating consequences. It is estimated that in the year 2000, over 7.5 million people died either directly from the disease or its complications (Roglic, et al. 2005: 2132). Given the human body’s need to properly process and synthesize all forms of dietary sugar, an ailment such as diabetes that inhibits or prevents that process is a fundamental intrusion into the most basic health and lifestyle choices of the affected individual. Further, because the disease can also include such debilitating side effects and complications as blindness or the amputation of appendages (World Health Organization_FS 138 2002: 1), diabetes not only has a devastating impact on individuals, but also on their countries, their regions, and the world at large.

Every year, 3.3 million people die of diabetes-related illnesses. Along with a rapid increase in socio-economic development, the standard of living, and the age of populations in many societies, the prevalence of diabetes increases annually. The effect of diabetes on the world’s population, particularly in developing countries, is stunning. It is increasing at a dramatic rate, and the causal contributors to the complications are worldwide.