Diabetes is a rising global burden for individuals, families, and communities. According to international bodies, there is a high risk of living diabetic patients increasing by 46%. Furthermore, among Diabetes type 1 and type 2, later one is on the insane increase. The reasons, avoidance, and evaluation are part of this article. World Diabetes Day 2024 is observed on 14th November every year.
An Overview of Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition of abnormal glucose levels in the human body. When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin for the body. -Either less than required or not at all. It is also possible that the body stops responding to insulin. It ultimately results in diabetes.
Overall, the long-term high glucose levels in the bloodstream led to major health problems. Some of the results from this chronic disease are blindness, heart problems and nerve damage.
There is no specific age limitation to fall prey to diabetes. Any person of any age can get diabetes. There are three types of diabetes.
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
There are also some others on the list. You can learn more about them.
Stats of Diabetes
Diabetes is a worldwide problem and a major health concern. The organisations like International Diabetes Federation (IDF) have an alarming projection regarding the spread of Diabetes around the world. According to them, by 2045, every 1 in 8 adults will be living with diabetes. It calculates around 783 million people. This digit is also a 46% increase to what it is today.
Moreover, around 90% of the ailments come from lifestyle factors like urbanisation, the aging population, insane adaptation to the sedentary lifestyle and same routine, and the prevalence of obesity and overweight, resulting in Type-2 diabetic patients. Let’s explore more on this diabetes day.
Global Numbers
Currently, the available data shows that the European region has witnessed a 13 per cent increase in diabetic patients. In 2021 the affected population was 61 million, in 2030 it is projected to reach 67 million, whereas, in 2045 the number can reach 69 million.
On the other hand, North America and the Caribbean have the projection to have a 24 per cent increase in the diabetic population from 2021-45
Western Pacific is next on the list with a projection of 27 per cent population falling prey to the body ailment of diabetes from 2021-45. The affected population is calculated to reach 260 million.
In addition, South and Central America is facing one of the alarming future anticipations for diabetes on World Diabetes Day 2024. With a 50 % increase in diabetes patients, the region outlooks 49 million people living with diabetes in 2045 in comparison to 2021.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are the one of the most affected regions according to the data anticipations. The data claims an insane increase of around 87 per cent from 2021 to 2045 in the population with diabetes. This counts around 136 million people in 2045.
Now have a look at the continent of Africa, the population calculations disclose a 134 per cent increase in the affected population. As the overall population of Africa is low, the count is more in percentage and less in numbers. The population calls at 55 million people in 2045.
In Pakistan
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) puts Pakistan in the MENA region with 21 countries. According to the country data, Pakistan had 32,964,500 adult diabetic patients that were reported. However, many people are not aware they have it and, hence, remain unaware and without a count.
Is Diabetes Curable?
There are two types of diabetes: type-1 and type-2. To date, there is no proper cure for this disease, though it is manageable. For Type-1 diabetes, there is no known cause and prevention. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes has 90% of the patients worldwide. The major reasons and precautionary measures are discussed below.
In type 2 diabetes, your body abstains from utilising glucose for energy acquisition. Hence, the blood glucose levels increase, and energy levels decrease. However, this type of diabetes is often preventable by some lifestyle changes. It is also better to remember; that prevention is always better than cure.
How to Manage Diabetes in the Long run?
The best way to manage the diabetes is to prevent it. A few of the steps are as follows.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Read about BMI.
- Regularise your body with exercises. 30 Minutes a day, keeps diabetes away.
- Avoid much sugar intake and carbohydrates. Include greens and fruits in your diet.
- Avoid nicotine and drugs.
- Learn to manage your stress levels.
By adapting to healthy habits, there is a bright chance that one will avoid the nuisance of diabetes. On the other hand, these are also helpful in managing and living with this chronic health problem.
However, if you feel any symptoms of diabetes. Go for diagnosis and follow the doctors’ instructions to keep your body safe and sound.
World Diabetes Day 2024
14 November is World Diabetes Day.
World Diabetes Day is a chance to raise awareness about diabetes and highlight its importance as a global health issue. It is also a time to focus on what we can all do to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and care for those living with diabetes.
This year’s (2024) theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” focuses on reducing the risk of diabetes and making sure everyone with the condition has access to affordable, high-quality treatment and care.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a critical health hazard to the world. Pakistan is no exception. The future predictions and data anticipations for the spread are worth our attention. It is high time to adopt an active, stress-managed, and healthy lifestyle to avoid diabetes. World Diabetes Day 2024 comes with breaking barriers, bridging gaps theme! Study about a healthy lifestyle and adopt it before it is too late.