China crisis
Because of the rapid change in lifestyle in China, diabetes has become epidemic. Researchers estimate that almost 10 per cent of adults have the disease, but that most cases remain undiagnosed. Rapid economic growth, urbanisation, changed diets and more sedentary lifestyles have contributed. Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in China. In the UK, just under four per cent of adults have diabetes.
Yang et al., 2010. Prevalence of diabetes among men and women in China. New England Journal of Medicine. 362, 1090-1101.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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