The swelling trend of diabetes is a foremost concern for China as close to 100 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, which is the highest in the world as per the recent data released by International diabetes federation (IDF).

According to IDF, the number of diabetes cases has increased rapidly in recent years. It is projected to reach 151 million in the country by 2040. There are almost 500 million more people who suffer from "prediabetes"-a stage where blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to trigger a diagnosis-indicating what the IDF calls "the enormity of diabetes as a public health problem in China." IDF also noted that 13 percent of medical expenditures in China are directly caused by the ailment.

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Many experts believe that the rise of diabetes patients comes as many Chinese are changing their diet and lifestyle amid improving living standards and a rush to live in cities. This, health experts say, has led to obesity and less physical activity. The type-II diabetes, the most common kind, is commonly considered a lifestyle disease for many.

The high level of pollution in cities, which can contribute to diabetes by raising blood pressure and resistance to insulin, is also seen as major fueling factor, according to health experts. They also blame the high consumption of sugary, high-calorie western food, excessive smoking, and lack of exercise. As per the latest projection, India and China will have an additional 48.5 million people with diabetes between 2007 and 2025.

TagsDiabetes, china, WHO, India, non communicable disease, Health