World Health Day is observed on April 7th
every year and this year it’s focused on slowing the rise of diabetes
worldwide. In both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, individuals have
trouble producing insulin, potentially causing dangerous results if left
unmanaged.
The World Health Organization has time and
again published relative information about beating diabetes, as well as
organised fun quizzes and put posters aimed at raising awareness. The disease
disproportionately impacts poor countries.
Here are some facts about diabetes, which is expected to
become the seventh leading cause of death globally by 2030.
The
Numbers
About 350 million people worldwide have
diabetes and about 1.5 million people die from it each year. More than 80
percent of diabetes deaths occur in low- and
middle-income countries, the World Health Organization reported. Ninety percent
of diabetes cases are Type 2.
Type 1
vs. Type 2
In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune
system destroys cells that release insulin, ultimately preventing
the body from producing any. Cells are unable to absorb glucose without insulin, which
is needed to produce energy. Type 1 occurs in children.
Type 2 diabetes is most common among
adults, although it’s also on the rise among youth. It occurs when the body is
unable to use insulin the right way, called “insulin resistance.” As it
intensifies, the pancreas may produce a deficient amount of insulin.
What are
the symptoms?
Hunger, fatigue, needing to use the bathroom
more often than usual, dry mouth, itchy skin and blurred vision are
all symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, according to leading diabetologists. Individuals with Type
2 diabetes may also experience yeast infections, slow-healing cuts and pain or
numbness in the feet or legs. Those with Type 1 might experience unexplained weight loss or nausea and
vomiting.
What are
the risks?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be
dangerous if left untreated or poorly managed. Monitoring the disease can help
significantly reduce risk, as both types increase risk of blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and stroke. People
with diabetes are also at risk of needing amputations.
How is
diabetes managed?
The discovery of insulin in 1921 offered new
hope for those with diabetes, who used to be expected to die within the first
few years after diagnosis. It’s not a cure, but it helps manage the disease.
Insulin injections or an insulin pump help manage Type 1. The amount of insulin
is determined from the amount of food consumed and daily activity. Those who
use insulin regularly monitor their blood glucose level. With both Type 1 and
Type 2 diabetes, healthy eating, physical activity and blood glucose testing are important.
When to
see a diabetologist?
It’s a good idea to see your diabetologist if
you have to urinate frequently, if you’re feeling weak or constantly thirsty or
if you have a bad stomach-ache. Breath that smells
like nail polish remover is a sign of high ketones and is a good
indicator that you should head to the diabetologist. 
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