ABSTRACT
Diabetes is the global epidemic of the 21st century, claiming as many lives per year as HIV/AIDS. It is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease in developed countries. The number of adults with diabetes in the world was 135 million in 1995 (King et al. 1998). At present, 250 million people are affected by diabetes worldwide and there is no cure. By 2025, the global burden of diabetes is projected to increase to 380 million people, according to the International Diabetes Foundation. Between 2010 and 2030, there will be a 69% increase in the number of adults with diabetes in developing countries and a 20% increase in developed countries (Shaw et al. 2010).
