Epidemic Problems
Type 2 diabetes and obesity are twin epidemics that are growing at alarming rates around the world.
Type 2 diabetes
- More than 21 million Americans suffer from type 2 diabetes.
- Worldwide type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic. Over 200 million affected today; projected to grow to 400 million by 2030.
Obesity
- More than 70 million Americans are obese (BMI >30).
- Worldwide obesity is a growing epidemic. Over 400 million affected today; projected to grow to 700 million by 2015.
- Obesity is a significant risk factor of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes and obesity
- Approximately 30% of people who are obese also have type 2 diabetes.
- As many as 13 million Americans suffer from both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Thousands of lives and billions of dollars in healthcare costs and lost productivity would be saved by preventing even a small number of cases of type 2 diabetes and obesity and the vascular complications associated with these conditions.1
1. Bazzano L et al., Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes by Diet and Lifestyle Modification. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2005. Vol. 24, No. 5, 310-19.