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Four times more adults now have diabetes than in 1980

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Four times more adults now have diabetes than in 1980

The number of adults who have diabetes has quadrupled since 1980, according to data released by the World Health organisation on the eve of World Health Day 2016, on 7 April, which is set to focus on diabetes awareness.

“Globally, an estimated 422 million adults were living with diabetes in 2014, compared to 108 million in 1980,” WHO said in its first-ever report on the disease, warning that the condition had spread because of worldwide changes “in the way people eat, move and live.”

The organisation blamed the growing consumption of food and beverages high in sugar. Diabetes incidence grew around the world, but increased most in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

A large proportion of diabetes cases are preventable, reminds WHO. Simple lifestyle changes have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of diabetes.

For more information on World Health Day, visit the WHO website.

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