Diabetes Epidemic Increasing

Filed in archive News on February 23, 2006

Formerly containing some of the healthiest populations in the entire world, Asia is now experience a diabetes epidemic. Cases have surged there, affecting both children and adults. Experts attribute this primarily to lifestyle changes:

But changing eating patterns and physical activity are clearly driving the epidemic in Asia.

"In the past decade in Hanoi, where people have switched from bicycles to motorbikes, diabetes has doubled," said Dr Gauden Galea, Regional Advisor for Non-Communicable Diseases for WHO's Western Pacific Region.

"That rate of increase in HIV/Aids would cause panic in health circles."

Diet is also changing rapidly, with more people eating out and eating junk food. Some traditional foods prepared outside the home are also becoming less healthy.

Dr Galea cited studies from Ho Chi Minh City showing how chicken noodle soup (pho ga), a Vietnamese favourite, had 23% more calories when prepared in restaurants.

In New Delhi, where one in six children are overweight, adolescents eat out at an average of at least three times a week, Dr Kapur said.

In big Chinese cities, studies show about 20% of children aged seven and over are overweight.Sad statistic like these remind us how important it is to realize how worthy we are, and to treat our bodies with the respect they--and we--deserve.