Diabetes mellitus can be classified into four principal types (WHO 1999). This includes type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus. The most common types of diabetes seen in Sub-Saharan Africa are type 2 and type 1 diabetes mellitus. This chapter focuses on the published data on the burden of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although type 1 diabetes is not caused by the adverse effects of lifestyle, as type 2 can be, the chronic complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the eyes, cardiovascular system, nerves, and kidneys are similar.
Copyright © 2006, The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank.