FACTBOX: Diabetes, its dangers and complications

(Reuters) - Diabetes prevalence worldwide will outstrip projections if rising trends of obesity are not controlled, experts warn.

There are currently 246 million diabetes cases worldwide and that figure will balloon to 380 million by 2025, according to the International Diabetes Foundation.

Below are some key facts on diabetes:

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

WHO IS MOSTLY AFFECTED?

People in low- and middle-income countries, who are middle-aged (45-64) and not elderly (65+). This means they are robbed of a quality life while they are still in their prime, a time when they are raising and providing for children.

MORTALITY

Diabetes was responsible for 3.8 million deaths worldwide in 2007. Many diabetics die directly of heart disease or kidney failure.

MORBIDITY AND COMPLICATIONS

Diabetes is linked to heart disease and strokes, high blood pressure, blindness, and damage to the kidneys, blood vessels and nerves. It also causes infections and gum disease. The overall risk of dying among people with diabetes is at least double that for non-sufferers.

TYPES OF DIABETES

Type 1 or childhood-onset diabetes; type 2 or adult-onset diabetes; gestational diabetes which is first recognized during pregnancy.

TREATMENT

There is no cure for diabetes and treatment involves lowering blood glucose and other known risk factors that damage blood vessels. Quitting smoking and alcohol may help to avoid complications.

RISK FACTORS

Type 2 diabetes is associated with age, overweight, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, an inactive lifestyle, stroke and genetic factors. Its risk is greater in Hispanics, blacks, Native Americans and Asians. Getting diabetes during pregnancy or delivering a baby over nine pounds (4.1 kg) can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Sources: World Health Organization, International Diabetes Federation

(Reporting by Tan Ee Lyn, editing by Mark Trevelyan)