Diabetes Mellitus in Black South Africans

Black South Africans comprise 80% of the total population of the country. Traditionally, rural dwellers, were unaccustomed to the stress of urban life, their diet was high in fiber and carbohydrate and low in fat. Over the past three decades, there has been accelerated urbanization and it is projected that 80% of this population will be urbanized by the year 2000. Thus, in the lifetime of one generation, a population of rural dwellers will have migrated to the city. Studies conducted worldwide have revealed that acculturation, urbanization or adoption of a western lifestyle have resulted in a marked increase in the prevalence of diabetes. It is against this background that diabetes [1] in the African population should be seen.