Health: Vital Signs - Diabetes on the increase

Cases of diabetes are set to double worldwide over the next decade. A study by the British Diabetic Association published in Diabetic Medicine estimates that there are 123 million with the condition in the world today and that this number will grow to 220 million by the year 2010.

Asia and Africa will feel the brunt of the rise and Asia will be home to 61 per cent of diabetics in 2010. Professor George Alberti, vice-chairman of the association and president of the Royal College of Physicians, said: "This research paints a very bleak picture. It is vital that attempts to change lifestyle are stepped up and that investment in finding a cure is increased".