Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body processes blood glucose (sugar). It occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. When diabetes is not well-managed, it can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which over time can cause serious damage to the body’s systems, especially nerves and blood vessels.
Prevalence and Impact
In 2014, 8.5% of adults aged 18 years and older had diabetes. By 2019, diabetes was directly responsible for 1.5 million deaths, with 48% of those deaths occurring before the age of 70. Additionally, diabetes was a contributing factor in 460,000 kidney disease deaths and accounted for around 20% of cardiovascular deaths.
From 2000 to 2019, the age-standardized mortality rate from diabetes increased by 3%, with lower-middle-income countries seeing a 13% rise. In contrast, the global probability of dying from any of the four main noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, or diabetes) between the ages of 30 and 70 decreased by 22%.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes can appear suddenly, especially in type 1 diabetes, or develop slowly over time, particularly in type 2 diabetes. Common symptoms include:
– Excessive thirst
– Frequent urination
– Blurred vision
– Fatigue
– Unintentional weight loss
If left untreated, diabetes can cause damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and permanent vision loss. Nerve damage and poor blood flow can also lead to foot ulcers and possible amputations.
Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes
– Previously known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes.
– Characterized by deficient insulin production.
– Requires daily administration of insulin.
– In 2017, 9 million people had type 1 diabetes, mostly in high-income countries.
– The exact cause and prevention methods are unknown.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
– Affects the body’s ability to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
– Can cause serious damage to nerves and blood vessels over time.
– Often preventable with lifestyle changes.
– Contributing factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, and genetics.
– Early diagnosis through regular check-ups is crucial.
– Symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed for years.
– More than 95% of diabetes cases are type 2.
– Increasingly seen in children as well as adults.
Gestational Diabetes
– Occurs during pregnancy with blood glucose levels higher than normal.
– Increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
– Raises the future risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.
– Diagnosed through prenatal screening rather than symptoms.
Prevention
Preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes involves lifestyle changes:
– Maintain a healthy body weight.
– Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.
– Eat a balanced diet, avoiding sugar and saturated fats.
– Avoid smoking.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis is possible through inexpensive blood glucose tests. Managing diabetes typically involves:
– Insulin injections for type 1 diabetes.
– Medicines like metformin, sulfonylureas, and SGLT-2 inhibitors for type 2 diabetes.
– Medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
– Regular foot care, kidney disease screening, and eye exams to prevent complications.
By understanding the types, symptoms, and prevention methods for diabetes, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health and reduce the risk of serious complications. Regular medical check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key to living well with diabetes.
