Every year, around 560,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with diabetes. It is estimated that seven to eight million people in this country suffer from this chronic metabolic disease.
Untreated diabetes can cause permanent damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetics have a threefold increased risk of stroke and heart attack and a shortened life expectancy. People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol as well as people who eat a diet high in fat and calories tend to be overweight and do not exercise regularly enough.