The effects of diabetes mellitus include long-term damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs

The long–term effects of diabetes mellitus include progressive development of the specific complications of retinopathy with potential blindness, nephropathy that may lead to renal failure, and/or neuropathy with risk of foot ulcers, amputation, Charcot joints, and features of autonomic dysfunction, including sexual dysfunction.

People with diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular, peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular disease.

The development of diabetes is projected to reach pandemic proportions over the next10-20 years.

• The development of diabetes is projected to reach pandemic proportions over the next10-20 years.

• International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data indicate that by the year 2025, the number of people affected will reach 333 million –90% of these people will have Type 2 diabetes.

• In most Western societies, the overall prevalence has reached 4-6%, and is as high as 10-12% among 60-70-year-old people.

•