Diabetes is a serious and widespread health condition but understanding it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll break down what diabetes is, who’s at risk, and how to manage diabetes to stay healthy.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels become too high. There are two main types:
- Type 1 diabetes: A lifelong condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that produce insulin – a hormone needed to regulate blood sugar.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells don’t react to insulin properly. This is the most common type of diabetes.
There’s also gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth.
Diabetes: a global concern
Diabetes is a growing issue worldwide:
- 1 in 10 adults globally has diabetes, and over 90% of them have type 2 diabetes.
- Shockingly, nearly half of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed and aren’t receiving crucial treatment.
- More than 541 million adults are at high risk of developing diabetes.
- Over 1.2 million children and teens have type 1 diabetes.
- In 2021, diabetes complications led to 6.7 million deaths worldwide.
Recognising the symptoms of diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes are related to high blood sugar levels. They can include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Needing to urinate frequently
- Feeling tired
- Unexplained weight loss
- Itchy skin or rashes
- Blurred vision
If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
What increases the risk of diabetes?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, such as:
- Getting older
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight, especially with extra fat around the waist
- Lack of physical activity
- Eating a diet high in processed foods and low in vegetables and fiber
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- History of gestational diabetes
- Being from a Black African, African Caribbean, or South Asian background
Want to check your risk? Visit the World Diabetes Day website for a free assessment.
Prevention is better than cure
For type 2 diabetes, a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk. Here’s how:
Eat a balanced diet:
- Aim for five portions of vegetables each day.
- Include whole grains.
- Choose lean protein like white meat, fish, or legumes.
- Opt for healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and avocado.
- Pick healthy snacks like fruit, a handful of nuts, or unsweetened yogurt.
Get active:
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, like brisk walking.
- Short 10-15 minute bursts of activity throughout the week are effective.
- Include strength training, like bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, push-ups), to improve insulin sensitivity.
Weight management is key, and limiting alcohol can help keep blood sugar in check.
Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes
Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test to measure blood glucose levels. Treatment depends on the type:
- Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin injections.
- Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with a healthy lifestyle. Some people may even achieve remission with weight loss. However, medication, in the form of tablets or injections, may be necessary if the condition worsens.
What are the complications of diabetes?
Diabetes can lead to serious complications if not managed well. These include:
- Vision problems, which could lead to blindness if not treated early.
- Foot problems, like nerve and blood supply damage, increasing the risk of ulcers and infections. In severe cases, amputation may be needed.
- Higher risk of heart attack and stroke due to blood vessel damage.
- Kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure.
- Nerve damage.
- Gum disease.
- Increased risk of some cancers.
- Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction.
The good news? Early detection, proper treatment, and good blood sugar control can significantly reduce these risks. Regular follow-ups can catch complications early, allowing for timely treatment.
The bottom line
Diabetes can be a challenging condition, but with the right support and information, it’s manageable. It’s crucial that everyone with diabetes understands their condition and has access to the care they need to live well. Take charge of your health and encourage others to do the same – together, we can make a difference!
