Diabetes affects about three million South Africans, with 54 percent of diabetics being male and 90 percent of sufferers being over the age of 40.
In developing countries, the diabetic population is expected to double by 2025 to 300-million, accounting for 50 percent of health care costs.
Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in developing countries due to associated complications.
The disease occurs in three forms, namely Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes, which is a temporary condition during pregnancy.
However, it leaves both mother and child at risk of diabetes in later life.
Diabetes specialist Dr Susan Brokenshaw, says Type 1 diabetes starts in young people under the age of 30.
"Type 1 occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood," Brokenshaw says.
People suffering this form of diabetes need daily insulin injections.
"When the pancreas does not produce enough, or the insulin is ineffective in controlling the glucose levels, you suffer from Type 2 diabetes," Brokenshaw said, explaining that about 90 percent of diabetics are Type 2.
"Type 2 sufferers are usually over 40, lack exercise and are overweight," she says.
This form can be treated without medication, with weight loss often sufficient to reduce glucose levels.
Brokenshaw warns that all forms of diabetes are serious.
Complications include cardiovascular and kidney disease or erectile dysfunction and impotence.
What are the symptoms of diabetes and how is the disease treated?
Symptoms include unusual weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue, frequent urination and an unusual thirst.
You may also experience a numbness in your hands and feet and find that bruises and cuts are slow to heal.
Brokenshaw warns that Type 2 diabetics may show no symptoms.
Turning to treatment, Brokenshaw says diabetes sufferers can lead a healthy life, provided the disease is effectively managed.
"Effective treatment is a combination of a healthy diet, exercise and medication, combined with a dedicated weight and lifestyle management programme," she said.
While sufferers of Type 1 require daily insulin injections, Type 2 is controlled through diet and exercise.
Type two sufferers may require insulin or diabetes tablets, Brokenshaw says, to help the body produce or use its insulin more effectively.
Turning to people at risk of diabetes, she says people aged 35 and over who are overweight are significantly at risk.
"High cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and a family history of diabetes are also important factors," she says.
Women who experienced gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby that weighed over 4kg are also at risk.
Brokenshaw advises people who experience any of the symptoms or fall within the risk categories to have themselves tested.
"Your local pharmacy can asses the possibility of diabetes with a finger-prick test," she said.