November 14th is World Diabetes Day: Focus on Diabetes & Obesity

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) applaud the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization as they draw attention to the connection between diabetes and obesity through this year's World Diabetes Day theme, "Fight Obesity, Prevent Diabetes." This year's observation of World Diabetes Day and its focus on the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity also happens to coincide with the start of NAASO's 2004 Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas, November 14-18, which will bring together leading experts and investigators in the world. http://www.naaso.org

"NAASO and ADA recognize obesity as a significant threat to public health and are cooperating to provide further opportunities for sharing obesity and diabetes-related information, increase obesity and diabetes awareness and facilitate more research and better clinical care in our joint effort to fight these conditions," said Barbara Corkey, PhD, NAASO President. "This is a unique example of how two separate medical societies are working together to address this important health issue."

More than 65 percent of Americans are overweight or obese and Americans are growing heavier each year. Obesity is the leading modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes, so it is no surprise that the rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incidence of diabetes has jumped nearly 50 percent in the past 10 years. Currently, 18.2 million Americans have diabetes. However, a study released earlier this year by the CDC estimates that, if current trends continue, the United States may see as many as 30 million Americans with diabetes by as early as 2030. "As Americans have become heavier, we've seen an overwhelming increase in the rate of type 2 diabetes -- and the age of onset is getting younger all the time," said Alan Cherrington, PhD, President of the American Diabetes Association. "Diabetes and obesity are intimately linked, and it makes perfect sense for the ADA and NAASO to work together to bring leading scientists and clinicians from around the world to share research and insights associated with both conditions.