Diabetes – A Widespread Disease

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most widespread diseases in Germany. Approximately six million people have the disease, and it is estimated that just as many are unaware of their condition or are at high risk for developing the disease.

According to United Nations estimates, by the year 2025 the number of people worldwide with diabetes will increase by more than 50 percent – from 250 million today to approximately 380 million people. Diabetes is the first noninfectious disease that the United Nations has declared to be a global threat. Analog to the increase in cases worldwide, the incidence of diabetes mellitus in Germany has risen sharply over the last 50 years. According to current prognoses, the incidence will continue to rise even more rapidly in the future.

One goal of the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) is to investigate the causes of the disease and to develop effective countermeasures and treatment approaches.