World Diabetes Day

Did you know…. ?

The number of people with diabetes has more than doubled in the last 20 years.
Almost half of the people with diabetes are unaware of it.
Diabetes can lead to many complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and lower limb amputation.
Diabetes can be managed with diet, exercise, medication, and regular checkups. Pre-diabetes can be prevented if caught early.
- Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the body that produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to be able to live.
- Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results from the body’s inability to make enough insulin or to properly use insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. The pancreas produces enough insulin, but the body cannot use it effectively. This is referred to as insulin resistance. It is however preventable and can be managed well.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including a heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Diabetes can cause permanent vision loss by damaging blood vessels in the eyes. Many people with diabetes develop problems with their feet from nerve damage and poor blood flow, for instance a tingling feeling and a feeling of numbness in the hands and feet.
About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2, while about 5% have Type 1.
Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the world.
Diabetes has a much higher mortality rate in the middle- to low-income countries, as these countries are often unable to access proper treatment for this condition.
Staying healthy through a proper diet and about 30 minutes of exercise every day or on a regular basis can drastically decrease your chance of getting Type 2 diabetes. Weight loss or weight control can go a long way in helping you to minimize the symptoms of diabetes and the complications that can result from it
People with diabetes can still live well despite their condition.
The main dietary restrictions a person with diabetes should practice are avoiding excess sugar, unhealthy fats (i.e. saturated and trans fats), sodium and cholesterol. But this does not have to be difficult. It is possible to eat healthy even on a tight budget. Watching your carb consumption, eating fiber-rich foods—like green vegetables and fresh fruits—and consuming lean meats and other healthy sources of protein can all help your body stay healthy while you deal with diabetes.
If diabetes is not managed well, it can get out of hand.
Knowing your risk level can help you prepare for or avoid diabetes