World Day to fight diabetes (World Diabetes Day) is an annual event that takes place on November 14. This day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Fund (IDF) in 1991, with the aim of increasing awareness of diabetes and emphasizing the need for prevention and control of this serious disease.
The main objective of World Diabetes Day is to inform people about the risks associated with diabetes, as well as ways to prevent and manage this disease.
Data from “International Diabetes Federation“
Diabetes facts and figures show the growing global burden on individuals, families and countries. The IDF Diabetes Atlas (2021) reports that 10.5% of the adult population (ages 20-79) have diabetes, with almost half unaware that they are living with the condition.
By 2045, IDF projections show that 1 in 8 adults, approximately 783 million, will be living with diabetes, an increase of 46%.
Over 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is determined by socioeconomic, demographic, environmental, and genetic factors. The main factors contributing to the rise of type 2 diabetes include:
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Urbanization
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Aging population
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Decreasing physical activity levels
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Increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity
However, it is possible to reduce the impact of diabetes by taking preventive measures for type 2 diabetes and ensuring early diagnosis and appropriate care for all types of diabetes. These measures can help people living with the disease avoid or delay complications.
- Diabetes in the world in 2021 - 537 million;
- 240 million people live with undiagnosed diabetes;
- Approximately 537 million adults (ages 20-79) are living with diabetes;
- 6.7 million deaths due to diabetes in 2021;
- The total number of people living with diabetes is projected to increase to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045;
- 3 in 4 - 3 out of 4 adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.
Basic information about diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin or the body cannot use insulin effectively.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that acts as a switch to allow glucose from the food we eat to pass from the bloodstream into the body's cells to produce energy. The body breaks down all carbohydrate foods into glucose in the blood, and insulin helps the glucose move into the cells.
When the body cannot produce or use insulin effectively, it results in high blood sugar levels called hyperglycemia. In the long term, high glucose levels are associated with damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues.
There are 3 main types of diabetes
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Type 1 diabetes
It can develop at any age and requires insulin treatment to survive.
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Type 2 diabetes
It accounts for about 90% of all diabetes and is diagnosed more often in adults.
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Gestational diabetes
It occurs with high blood sugar during pregnancy and can cause complications for both mother and child.
Innovations
Technological innovations have changed the way people with diabetes manage their disease, providing greater control, accuracy and convenience in tracking blood glucose levels and managing diabetes. One of these innovations is "real time continuous glucose monitoring" (rtCGM).
rtCGM (real-time continuous glucose monitoring): This technology uses a special sensor that is worn on or under the skin and continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. Results are transmitted to a device (such as an insulin pump or mobile app) in real time. This method allows people with diabetes to monitor their glucose levels without the need for a finger prick or scan.
Finger prick or scan: Traditional diabetes management requires frequent finger pricks using a glucose monitor or scanning glucose sensors to measure glucose levels.
rtCGM provides more accurate data on glucose levels by allowing people to see how levels change throughout the day and night. This helps better manage diabetes and prevent dangerous spikes and dips in levels rtCGM provides real-time information, allowing users to react quickly if they notice abnormalities in glucose levels.