Diabetes is increasing in epidemic proportions all over the world. It is estimated that seven per cent of the world's population will have diabetes.

The annual report presented by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) revealed that India would have maximum cases of diabetes leaving other nations far behind.

India has 50.8 million people suffering from diabetes. China falls on second place with 43.2 million cases followed by US with 26.8 million cases.

The report indicated that there would be 58.7 million diabetes cases in India which means 7 per cent of its adult population would suffer from diabetes by 2010. This percentage will increase to 8.4 percent by 2030 putting immense burden on healthcare system and economy.

The report said, "Diabetes imposes a large economic burden on the individual, national healthcare system and economy."