The International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) Diabetes Atlas released early December in South Africa confirms that diabetic population is highest in India. But China overtakes India in the pre-diabetic phase (Impaired Glucose Tolerance, IGT).

The Atlas, third in a series that began in 2000, begins with the preamble: "With the forces of globalization and industrialization proceeding at an increasing rate, the prevalence of diabetes is predicted to increase dramatically over the next few decades.”

A. Ramachandran, Director, Diabetes Research Centre and M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, Chennai, India said that IDF has worked on the Atlas, hoping to create an impact on the public health policy of various governments across the world, advising them to factor diabetes into their plans.

Dr. Ramachandran had also served the Atlas Committee where his research has been extensively quoted, says, "We need to push the cause of fighting diabetes with governments."

According to the report, there are around 40.9 million diabetics in India followed by China having around 39.8 million diabetics. It is estimated that in 2025, India will still top the list, with 69.9 million diabetics but China will meanwhile put some distance between itself and India, having only 59.3 million diabetics.

Other key inputs in the publication were reports on diabetes-related complications and cost assessments.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, renal failures, lower limb amputation, and cardiovascular diseases and of course for some, it is the main cause of death.

In virtually every developed society, diabetes is ranked among the leading causes of blindness, renal failure and lower limb amputation. Through its effects on cardiovascular disease, it is also one of the leading causes of death.