Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic progressive metabolic
disorder characterized by hyperglycemia mainly due to absolute
(Type 1 DM) or relative (Type 2 DM) deficiency of
insulin hormone [1]. DM virtually affects every system of
the body mainly due to metabolic disturbances caused by
hyperglycemia, especially if diabetes control over a period
of time proves to be suboptimal [1]. Until recently it was
believed to be a disease occurring mainly in developed
countries, but recent findings reveal a rise in number of
new cases of type 2 DM with an earlier onset and associated
complications in developing countries [2-4]. Diabetes
is associated with complications such as cardiovascular
diseases, nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy, which
can lead to chronic morbidities and mortality [5,6]. World
Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than
346 million people worldwide have DM. This number is
likely to more than double by 2030 without any intervention.
Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low and
middle-income countries [7]. According to WHO report,
India today heads the world with over 32 million diabetic
patients and this number is projected to increase to 79.4
million by the year 2030 [8]. Recent surveys indicate
that diabetes now affects a staggering 10-16% of urban
population and 5-8% of rural population in India and Sri
Lanka [9-11].