"As important as diabetes is, it is NOT killing one person every seven seconds. That would be a mortality rate of 126,144,000 annually. Really? Assuming that number is correct. How much of it would be preventable if people just exercised more and ate less crap? Do we need a UN Conference on this? Do we need another thousand or so tax-exempt foundations? We are smothered in disease research and I suspect the point of diminishing returns has long ago been reached."

Eoin Treacy's view I agree 100%. However, the success of tobacco companies suggests people do not always do what is in their best long-term interests. Diabetes is an affliction for a large number of people. That number is likely to grow as per capita calorie consumption rises, particularly in Asia.