Facts about Diabetes that will surely surprise you!

Diabetes has become a huge problem globally, particularly in developing countries. The causes for this disease are complex, but it occurs largely due to being overweight, including obesity and physical inactivity.
There are evidences that prove that a large portion of this disease can be prevented and controlled through healthy diet, regular physical workout, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding tobacco. Unfortunately, none of these evidences are widely implemented!
In order to create awareness among people about the consequences of diabetes, we have listed below some astonishing facts on diabetes (source: WHO)

Fact #1
About 347 million people worldwide are victims of Diabetes
An emerging global epidemic has been noticed worldwide with leading causes traced as – increase in weight, obesity and physical inactivity.
Fact #2
By the year 2030, Diabetes is predicted to become the 7th leading cause of Death!
Total deaths from diabetes are projected to increase by more than 50% in the next 15 years.
Fact #3
Cardiovascular disease results in 50-70 % of deaths among people with diabetes
Diabetes is not a single ailment, but associated with numerous other complications including cardiovascular disease. It has become a major form of premature illness and death in most countries, largely due to increase in risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fact #4
80% of deaths due to diabetes occur in low and middle income countries
In developed countries, diabetes is usually found in people who are above the age of retirement, whereas in developing countries, most affected are aged between 35 and 64 years
Fact #5
Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, blindness and amputation
As mentioned earlier, diabetes is associated with numerous other health risks. Lack of awareness combined with insufficient access to health services and essential medicines can result in serious health disorders including kidney failure, blindness and amputation.

Fact #6
Upto 10% women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Women with gestational diabetes are an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. Moreover, they are also at a risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.

Risk of diabetes among children
Diabetes as an epidemic is increasing worldwide and studies are showing that children are at an increasing risk of this threat. Over the time, this disease can damage the heart, eyes, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves, which causes chronic problems and early death.
There are two categories: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Type 1 – Also known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset, occurs when pancreas fail to produce sufficient amount of insulin – a hormone that regulates blood sugar. The cause is unknown, but is thought to be a result of combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Type 2 – Also known as non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes, occurs when the body cannot effectively use the insulin that it produces. Usually preventable and results from excessive body weight and physical inactivity, while in some cases, a genetic predisposition.

Conclusion
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease, which over the time leads to serious damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. There is a globally agreed target to halt the rise in diabetes and obesity by 2025. Healthy eating and lifestyle habits can act a strong defence against the disease.