2011年6月21日 星期二

雅思閱讀:糖尿病Diabetes

diabetes in the world has more than doubled 


A study conducted by researchers from Imperial College London and Harvard University reveals that the number of adults with diabetes worldwide has more than doubled since 1980. The total number of people with all forms of the disease has risen from 153 million to 347 million.

 

The study highlights the need for better detection and treatment of diabetes to combat this alarming rise. The authors attribute 70% of the increase to people living longer. The prevalence of diabetes has either risen or remained stable in almost every country examined, and the United States had the highest prevalence among developed nations, while western Europe had relatively lower rates.

 

The study predicts that spending on diabetes medicines, which already amounts to £22 billion annually, could reach £30 billion by 2015. The researchers urge the development of better programs for detecting elevated blood sugar levels and helping individuals control their weight to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

 

Diabetes is a chronic condition that leads to inadequate blood sugar control, potentially causing kidney damage, blindness, heart disease, and strokes. The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, of South Asian or Black origin, being over 40 years old, or having a family history of the condition.

 

The study emphasizes the importance of early detection through blood tests, as many individuals may have Type 2 diabetes without realizing it.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13917263