Diabetes mellitus is a major global health problem. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that, currently, more than 180 million people worldwide have diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes is by far the commonest form of diabetes, comprising 90% of cases. It is the form of diabetes that mostly affects adults.

People with diabetes are well known to be at high risk of developing major health problems earlier in life than those without diabetes. In particular, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from:

• heart attack
• stroke
• blindness
• kidney failure and
• leg ulcers which may lead to amputation