International journal of clinical practice. Supplement
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Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide as we enter the new millennium. The World Health Organization (WHO) has commented there is 'an apparent epidemic of diabetes which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change'. Over the next decade the projected number will exceed 200 million, possibly reaching 250 million persons. ⋯ Neuropathy, both peripheral and autonomic, with principal manifestations in the lower limbs 2. Microvascular disease, mainly affecting the retina and kidney, resulting in blindness and renal failure 3. Macrovascular disease, presenting with atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries causing ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease causing stroke and peripheral vascular disease contributing to diabetic gangrene.