International Diabetes Day | 9 Facts About Diabetes
November 14 is National Diabetes Awareness Day, and we'd like to use this opportunity to acknowledge this disease as one of the world's deadliest. In November 2021, Numedico founder Neville Calvert was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, and it came as a complete shock as he did not have diabetes previously. It is Neville's combination of his passion for the healthcare sector and his own health experiences that drive what we do here at Numedico.
Diabetes needs to be addressed and talked about more. One in 11 adults has diabetes (415 million) and one in two (46.5 per cent) adults with diabetes is undiagnosed. It's severe and can lead to death if left untreated. Here are nine facts you may not have known about diabetes…
1. One of the leading causes of death worldwide is diabetes.
In 2019, Diabetes was listed as the seventh leading cause of death based on 87,647 death certificates, where diabetes was listed as the implicit cause of death and was mentioned in 282,801 certificates in the United States.… One of the biggest threats that diabetes causes are uncontrolled blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar level spikes, it can lead to sudden death. Another way diabetes can lead to death is by damaging tissues and organs over time. Damage to blood vessels can lead to amputation and blindness.
Diabetes lowers the quality of life and raises the risk of infection, injuries, and other diseases.
2. There are four types of Diabetes
Type 1 and 2 are the main Types of Diabetes. These Types of Diabetes can lead to death when left untreated and unmanaged.
While Gestational Diabetes is more commonly found in pregnant women and those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than usual, making your body resistant to insulin.
Read more about the Types of diabetes here.
3. Most Common Diabetes Type in The World is Type 2 Diabetes
Excessively high blood sugar levels bring on Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance and excess insulin production are symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar will start to build up in your bloodstream due to this overproduction.
People aged 45 or older are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Weight and genetics are also a contributor to developing Type 2 diabetes.
4. You can avoid developing Type 2 diabetes.
Yes! You read it right! You can fend off this dangerous illness with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Losing weight, increasing physical activity, and adopting a better diet all significantly decrease the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to research from the Diabetes Prevention Program.
5. Diabetes can result in severe complications such as blindness, amputation, kidney failure, and others.
Diabetes has a high risk of serious ailments if neglected. This condition has the potential to impair kidneys, cause eyesight, and even have an impact on oral health. Diabetes that is not properly controlled can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, reduce the rate at which your body heals wounds, and cause infections.
6. Even if you have diabetes, you can still consume sweets!
Sugary foods are not off-limits to those with diabetes. You can still eat a piece of cake or a scoop of ice cream… within moderation. Consult your doctor about changing your diet. An absolute MUST is an effective communication with your doctor!
Keep your sweet-tooth cravings to a minimum.
There are other options that are suitable for diabetics out there. We will be sharing more in future posts.
7. Daily insulin shots are necessary for Type 1 diabetics to control their blood sugar.
Insulin use is a necessary component of Type 1 diabetes treatment. Type 1 diabetics require the appropriate quantity of insulin because their bodies can no longer produce it to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. An insulin pump or a needle injection is the only way to administer insulin to the body.
Contrarily, many people with Type 2 diabetes can manage their blood sugar by adhering to a good diet plan and a regular exercise routine. Treating gestational diabetes involves maintaining a balanced diet, frequently exercising, taking diabetes medications, and receiving insulin shots.
8. Diabetes was once diagnosed by ancient physicians tasting a patient's urine who might have the disease.
Now this one’s a little disgusting but fascinating. In the medieval centuries, Chinese, Indian, and Egyptian scientists analyzed the urine of patients suspected of having diabetes by tasting it for a sweet, unique flavor. This was the oldest known diagnostic of the condition.
To know more about the history of diabetes testing, you can check out this website.
9. Despite having diabetes, you can still lead an everyday life.
Though it is scary, don’t let diabetes ruin your life. You are still capable of leading a happy and healthy life. You must be consistent with your diet and pay attention to everything you do and consume. You can lessen the risk of developing diabetes problems and its symptoms by losing weight and engaging in moderately frequent exercise.
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For more details and for full specifications on Numedico's insulin range contact: sales.USA@numedico.com
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