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Diabetes contributes to an estimated 2.9 million deaths annually.
Worldwide, there are more than 240 million people having diabetes and it is expected to increase to 380 million by 20251.
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| What is Diabetes? |
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In healthy bodies, sugar, starches and other foods we eat are converted into energy with the help of a hormone manufactured by the pancreas, called insulin.
Diabetes occurs when there is no insulin, or when insufficient insulin is produced, or when your body ignores the insulin you produce (insulin resistance).
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Type 1 diabetes
is characterized by a lack of insulin. It occurs when insulin producing cells in the pancreas are damaged.
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Type 2 diabetes results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin or the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin enough or a combination of both.
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The warning signs* of diabetes include2: |
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Frequent urination |
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Excessive thirst |
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Increased hunger |
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Weight loss |
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Tiredness |
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Lack of interest and concentration |
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Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as flu) |
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A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet |
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Blurred vision |
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Frequent infections |
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Slow-healing wounds |
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These can be mild or absent in people with type 2 diabetes. |
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| Seek medical attention if you show these signs! |
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| Are you at risk of Diabetes? |
| Go for Pre-Diabetes Screening if you have any One of the following risk factors: |
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Aged 35 years or older |
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Overweight with BMI > 23kg/m2 |
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Waist circumference: Female > 31.5” (80cm) and Male >35.5” (90cm) |
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High blood pressure (>140/90mmHg) |
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High triglycerides (Bad Cholesterol) and /or low HDL cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) |
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A family history of diabetes |
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A history of diabetes during pregnancy |
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Giving birth to a baby who weighs = 4.0kg at birth |
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Previously identified glucose intolerance |
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Unhealthy diet |
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Lack of exercise |
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| What is Pre-Diabetes? |
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Pre-Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for
a diagnosis of diabetes. Having pre-diabetes does not mean you will definitely develop diabetes, but it does mean
that you have a higher likelihood than others in developing this disease. Your risk for heart diseases also increases significantly.
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| Prevention of Diabetes |
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Diabetes-related deaths will increase by more than 50% in the coming 10 years if no action is taken.
To prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should:
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Achieve and maintain healthy body weight. |
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Be physically active- daily regular, moderate-intensity activity for at least 30 minutes. |
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Early diagnosis can be accomplished through inexpensive blood testing2. |
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Make your food choices healthier. |
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Tobacco cessation is important to avoid complications2. |
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| Managing Diabetes |
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Type1 diabetes patients require insulin; type 2 diabetes patients can be treated with oral medication but may also require insulin2. |
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Consult healthcare professionals about any changes you should make to your diet and ask about the sort of exercise that is best for you. |
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Work out with your doctor or diabetes educator on how often you should monitor your blood glucose level. |
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Control blood pressure and blood lipid. |
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Foot care |
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Screening for early signs of diabetes-related kidney disease and treatment2. |
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References :
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1. Diabetes Atlas, third edition, international Diabetes Federation 2006.
2. World Diabetes Day, International Diabetes Federation 2007-2009. (www.worlddiabetesday.org)
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