Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
People living with diabetes rose from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022
More than half of people living with diabetes did not take medication in 2022
Deaths caused by diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes in 2021
Of cardiovascular deaths were caused by high blood glucose
Symptoms of diabetes may occur suddenly. In type 2 diabetes, the symptoms can be mild and may take many years to be noticed.
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Diabetes can cause permanent vision loss and foot problems that may lead to amputation.
Previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset diabetes. Characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known.
Affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated. Often preventable through lifestyle changes.
Factors include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics.
Hyperglycaemia with blood glucose values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes. Occurs during pregnancy and increases risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should:
Reach and keep a healthy body weight
Stay active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugar and saturated fat
Not smoke tobacco
Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive testing of blood glucose. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections for survival.
Some people with type 2 diabetes will need medicines to help manage their blood sugar levels, including metformin, sulfonylureas, and SGLT-2 inhibitors.
Along with medicines to lower blood sugar, people often need medications to lower blood pressure and statins to reduce the risk of complications.
Additional medical care includes foot care to treat ulcers, screening for kidney disease, and eye exams to screen for retinopathy.
One of the most important ways to treat diabetes is to keep a healthy lifestyle alongside medical treatment.