We are all familiar with the word diabetes, but until it impacts you or someone close to you most of us don’t pay attention.
Nor, do we fully consider its global impact or the millions of people living with diabetes all over the world.
Here are some quick facts to put it all into perspective.
There are “34.2 million Americans – just over 1 in 10 living with Diabetes. Another 88 million American adults – 1 in 3 – have prediabetes.”1
Globally, the numbers are even higher. The International Diabetes Federation, estimates that there are “463 million adults, aged 20-49, living with Diabetes worldwide and expects this number to increase to 700 million by 2045”2
China leads the world with 116.4 million diabetes cases followed by India with 77 million. The United States ranks third. Diabetes threatens all nations and is particularly concerning in developing countries that lack the resources to properly manage and control the disease. Countries lacking in health care provision have increased chances for complications and premature deaths.
Here are some other staggering facts and statistics to highlight the seriousness of diabetes and why creating awareness across the globe is so important:1,2
- ❖ In 2019, diabetes caused 4.2 million deaths globally. It’s the 7th leading cause of death in the US.
- ❖ One in 5 people aged 65 and over have diabetes and the proportion of older adults at risk is increasing.
- ❖ More than 1.1 million children and adolescents are living with Type 1 diabetes around the world.
- ❖ 374 million people are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
- ❖ Diabetes accounts for approximately 760 billion dollars in healthcare expenditures.
Being diagnosed or having someone you love receive the diagnosis – is life changing. Understanding what diabetes is and understanding its full impact can be daunting at best.
Here, we will try to define it, break it down, help clear up any confusion, and most importantly create awareness.
UNDERSTANDING DIABETES
“Diabetes is a chronic and long-lasting health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. Most food is broken into sugar, called glucose, and it is released into the bloodstream. When blood sugar goes up, it signals the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key and lets blood sugar into the body’s cells for energy.
A person with diabetes, either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin that it makes as well as it should.”1
TYPE 1 – the immune system creates antibodies that destroy insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed for cells to take up glucose. If insulin is lacking, as is the case with Type 1, then this raises blood glucose levels and results in diabetes. A person living with Type 1 requires insulin therapy because they lack the cells needed to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented.
Type 2 – Considered to be the more common form of diabetes, Type 2 occurs when cells in the body become more resistant to the effects of insulin, so less glucose is taken up by the cells. This raises blood glucose. Cells in the pancreas try to produce and release more insulin to overcome this resistance. Over time, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin and blood glucose levels remain high resulting in diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
MANAGING DIABETES
Millions of people living with diabetes have learned how to manage and control the disease. It takes effort, but it’s not impossible and should always be taken seriously. Through proper education, diet, exercise, sleep and knowledge, it can be done. It is also imperative that patients know their numbers and learn how certain foods and activities affect overall blood glucose levels.
Patients who are able to use a Continuous Glucose Monitoring system, like the FreeStyle Libre, can stay ahead of the numbers, monitor trends and stay prepared for what is coming. Continuous Glucose Monitors and other diabetes supplies are not as readily available in developing countries. This is why awareness, education and prevention are crucial.
CONTROLLING THE RISK FACTORS
“Obesity is driving the global diabetes epidemic and if current worldwide trends continue, the number of overweight people is projected to increase to 2.0 billion by 2030.”3 Diet is another contributing factor to the reason why diabetes is on the rise globally. Busy schedules, fast food restaurants, sugary coffee drinks and other poor eating habits lead to increased obesity and create a vicious cycle. A reduction in physical activity also leads to obesity and perpetuates the cycle. Controlling these risk factors is the key to reducing the number of diabetes cases worldwide.
CREATING AWARENESS – TOGETHER WE STAND GREATER THAN DIABETES4
At Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to create awareness and provide support and education to our patients and healthcare providers. By working together, we can all learn how to take control of diabetes before it takes control of us. A strong support network is key, and we are here for you. Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, a diabetic educator or a loved one looking for more information, we are here to support you! To learn more or to find out how a Continuous Glucose Monitor can be part of the solution, contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at Click Here. Accessed on 17 May 2021.
2. (2020) International Diabetes Federations. About Diabetes. Available at Click Here. Accessed on 17 May 2021.
3. (2020). American Diabetes Association. Available at Click Here accessed on 18 May 2021.
4. American Diabetes Association – We Stand Great Than Campaign. Available at Click Here Accessed on 18 May 2021.