Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Many adults have a family history of diabetes but the disease is getting even more prevalent in children. This is largely due to increased consumption of fast food, a diet high in calories, as well as cheap food that is low in nutrients. These were among the views expressed by Dr Leonel Villa-Caballero, of the medical department of the University of California, San Diego, at the sixth annual workshop on health in Latin America and the Caribbean held in LA Jolla, California, from September 22-25.

Other factors that accompany diabetes include hypertension, the excessive use of tobacco and obesity. There are two types of diabetes: type one found in children and type two, in adults over 40. A third, gestational diabetes affects women who are pregnant. The latter two are expensive to treat, so delaying early innovation of therapy is costly.

In Latinos, certain cultural beliefs, such as religion or a belief in destiny lead to the attitude that 'I can't do anything about it.' According to Dr Caballero, this attitude results in these people not going to the doctor when their eyesight goes bad. Also, insulin is taboo in the region and diabetes in the number-one cause of blindness among the group.

To stop the fast growth of new cases of the disease, Latinos must change their diet and do regular exercise. Figures show that Latinos are the world's largest consumers of soda, even more than Americans. It is also important to control blood pressure and obesity.

Increase in childhood diabetes

It is expected that, by 2025, more than 35 million people in Latin America will have diabetes; there will also be an increase in childhood and adolescent diabetes and there will be more cases of type two in children. The direct cost of treating the disease will increase and there will be a direct increase in renal deficiency as a result.

Dr Caballero said there is hope and noted some of the things that need to be done now, including education and motivation.

People need to control their sugar intake, diet and exercise.

The media can help by checking the facts on the disease, talking to the experts and passing on the information about disease and treatment to people.

Journalists can also offer constructive criticism about junk food and sedentary lifestyles and promote an active way of living and moving towards healthier habits.

Dr Leonel Villa-Caballero, is an investigator of family and preventive medicine at the school of medicine, University of California, San Diego, and director of Latin Initiative, 'Taking Care of Your Diabetes'.

(Next week: HIV/AIDS:Prognosis for the epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean, recent research, stigma, new treatment authorisation)