Epidemiology of Diabetes

Epidemiology is the study of how frequently and why diseases affect various groups of individuals. Epidemiological data is used to establish and assess disease prevention programs, as well as to guide the treatment of people who have already developed disease. Diabetes disease burden is high and rising in every country, fueled by an increase in the prevalence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles around the world. Diabetes epidemiology is best understood in terms of the following categories: diabetes in the population, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes and age, diabetes and gender, diabetes and ethnic origin, and diabetes morbidity and mortality.