Since the number of cases of diabetes are increasing and has been likened to an epidemic, I figured that it would be interesting to look at the current numbers linked with diabetes and its complications.
The numbers below are obtained from the International Diabetes Federation.
In 2015,
- 1 in 11 adults are diabetics (415 million)
- 5% adult diabetics are undiagnosed
- USD$673 billion or 12% of global health expenditure is spent on diabetes alone
- 1 person die from diabetes every 6 seconds (5 million deaths)
Diabetes in Specific Regions
- It is estimated that more than 75% of diabetics in Africa are undiagnosed
- 1 out of 8 adults in North America and the Caribbean Region has diabetes
- The highest number of children with type 1 diabetes are in Europe
- ¼ of all birth in South East Asia are affected by gestational diabetes
- 37% of adult diabetics live in Western Pacific
- 40% of adult diabetics are undiagnosed in the Middle East and North Africa
- There will be a 65% increase in the number of diabetics in South and Central Africa by the year 2040.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
- The number of diabetics increased from 108 million (1980) to 422 million (2014).
- The prevalence has increased rapidly in middle and low-income countries.
- Diabetes is one of the major cause of blindness, renal failure, heart attacks, stroke, and amputation.
- Half of the deaths due to high blood sugar is before the age of 70.
- It is predicted that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death in the year 2030.
Everyone can help with the prevention of diabetes. There are 3 tiers of prevention:
Tier 1 – Primary prevention involves the prevention of the disease before it occurs. For diabetics, warn your loved ones as they have an increased risk for diabetes. Educate each other on healthy lifestyle modifications such as increasing activity levels and eating healthy. Remember to check your fasting blood sugar at least once a year, take prevention methods seriously if you have prediabetes.
Tier 2 – Secondary prevention aims to reduce the impact of the disease that has already occurred. Ensure compliance in treatment by taking your medications regularly, controlling your blood glucose, and have regular follow-ups with your doctor for foot care, eye care, and renal care. Continue with healthy lifestyle choices, especially exercise and diet.
Tier 3 – Tertiary prevention aims to decrease the impact of complications from the disease. Patients who require amputation can go through rehabilitation and fitted for a prosthesis, having further treatment for diabetic retinopathy. This may also include educating, counseling and recommending the option of dialysis for patients with renal failure.
In conclusion, diabetes is a very serious disease and can have debilitating consequences. Prevention and patient compliance should be ensured to avoid complications of the disease.
[expand title=”References“]
Diabetes Facts and Figures. International Diabetes Federation.
Diabetes: fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Diabetes globally. Diabetes Australia.
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