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Diabetes As A Big Killer

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Diabetes mellitus occurs throughout the world, but is more common in the more developed countries. Because of changing life styles and increased urbanization, incidence of diabetes in developing countries is also on the rise. According to World Health Organization, more than 150 million people wide, in the year 2004. But due to its growing incidences, it is thought that by the year 2025 this number will double. Asia and Africa are the most commonly affected areas. Diabetes is considered as a big killer and is among the top 5, of the most significant diseases in the developed world. In 2005 there are about 20.8 million people with diabetes in the United States alone. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately 6.2 million people were unaware that they have the disease (Diabetes). Because the incidence of diabetes increases with age, only 0.2 percent of children are affected by the disease while eight to ten percent of the elderly are affected. Also, diabetes is more common in non-vegetarians than vegetarians. In a vegetarian diet, fruits and vegetables may contribute to a decreased incidence of type 2 diabetes through their low energy density, low glycemic load, and high fiber and macronutrient content. Other features of the vegetarian diet are whole grains and legumes which have been shown to improve glycemic control, slow the rate of carbohydrate absorption and the risk of diabetes (Diabetes). Diabetes insipidus (DI) is the result of

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