14 is World Diabetes Day – a day observed across the world each year to help people learn about diabetes and prediabetes. Studies have found that nine out of 10 people with diabetes believe that their blood sugar levels are under control even though they is not. According to a study conducted by the worldwide Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of Indians suffering from this disease is expected to cross 100 million mark by 2030.
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The number of people with diabetes is projected to increase alarmingly from 457 million in 2014 to 592 million by 2035, if “we do not act now to arrest this trend”, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the South-East Asia Regional Director, said.
Many times before people develop type 2 diabetes they have “prediabetes” – a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. We enjoyed the lab tour, learning about the genetics of diabetes and seeing what the researchers are actually working on.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: being 60 years old or older; being male; being a woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes; having a close relative (parent or sibling) with diabetes; being diagnosed with high blood pressure; not being physically active; and being overweight.
Medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack said children developing type 2 – which has strong links to obesity – was “very tragic”. People of Maori, Pacific Island, Asian or Middle Eastern descent were also more at risk.
“In many cases, they could prevent or delay the onset of type two diabetes with a healthy lifestyle of nutritional eating and regular exercise”.
While advising audience about the symptoms of diabetes, he said that need to urinate several times, feeling severe thirst, reducing weight and fatigue and weakness are important symptoms of this deadly disease.
Fact: According to doctors, it is not true as taking insulin just helps you wave-off the complications that come with diabetes and live a better life. There is no escape from lifestyle modifications and an hour of exercise a day is a must, she added.
Type 1 diabetics are innocent sufferers of an autoimmune condition. And, although around 2,000 people in Luxembourg are being treated for it, diabetes is notorious for going unnoticed and therefore many may have it and be completely unaware.
He said diabetic patients should strictly check their lifestyle and dietary habits to avoid serious complications including limbs amputation. However, pay attention to portion.
On this World Diabetes Day – 2015, it is good to be reminded that diabetes is a disease that can be effectively managed (never cured) by effective medication strategies.
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by an absolute lack or relative deficiency of insulin.
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“WHO is also marking World Diabetes Day by announcing that the organization’s annual World Health Day which is celebrated every year on 7 April will focus on the issue of diabetes”.
