World diabetes day

people worldwide have diabetes.1 In 2004, an estimated 3.4 million people died from consequences of fasting high blood sugar. A similar number of deaths have been estimated for 2010.2 The published data for Malta through the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas estimate that the diabetes prevalence in Malta is 9.8% of the adult population, representing 29,900 people. The atlas forecasts a rise in prevalence to 11.6% of the adult population, representing 36,600 people by 2025.3 There is strong evidence from randomised, controlled trials that lifestyle interventions incorporating diet and physical activity can prevent Type 2 diabetes in high risk individuals.4 The most dominant predictor for Type 2 diabetes prevention is weight loss. It is estimated that for every kilogram lost, it is associated with a 16% reduction in risk.5 A large trial in the United States has shown that lifestyle interventions including a low-fat diet, significantly reduced body weight, HbA1c and cardiovascular risk factors and these positive changes could be maintained over four years.6