On World Diabetes Day, the findings of a study has shed light on the growing menace of the disease. World Diabetes Day is a crucial platform where global awareness around the disease and its impact on public health is discussed largely. The theme for this year, ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,’ highlights the collective commitment to overcoming obstacles in diabetes care and ensuring that every individual diagnosed has access to high-quality, affordable treatment
More than 800 million adults have diabetes worldwide – almost twice as many as previous estimates have suggested – and more than half of those aged over 30 who have the condition are not receiving treatment, according to a new study published in The Lancet has found.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously estimated that around 422 million people have diabetes.The global diabetes rate has doubled since 1990 from around 7% to 14%, the study suggested, driven largely by rising cases in low- and middle-income countries. But although there are far more cases, treatment rates in those regions have barely increased, the authors said, while things have improved in some higher-income countries – leading to a widening treatment gap.
The study was done by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and the WHO, and is the first global analysis to include rates and treatment estimates for all countries, the authors said. It is based on more than 1,000 studies involving more than 140 million people.
Diabetes was defined as having high fasting plasma glucose levels and high glycated haemoglobin, both common diagnostic criteria for the condition, or taking medication for diabetes. The authors said both tests were used to avoid underestimating rates in parts of the world, particularly South Asia, where using fasting plasma glucose alone missed cases.
While the study could not separate out type 1 and type 2 cases, previous evidence has suggested that most diabetes in adults is type 2, which is linked to obesity and poor diet, the authors said.
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Diabetes needs to be controlled to prevent severe health complications and improve overall quality of life. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels, which damage blood vessels and organs over time. This damage increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and eye complications, including blindness. High blood sugar can also weaken the immune system, making infections more likely and harder to heal.
In people with Type 2 diabetes, controlling blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication helps maintain healthy body weight, improves energy levels, and supports daily functioning. For those with Type 1 diabetes, regular insulin management is crucial to prevent life-threatening conditions like ketoacidosis.
Moreover, managing diabetes helps reduce healthcare costs and the personal burden of frequent hospital visits and treatments. Proper control can delay or even prevent many complications, leading to a longer, healthier life. By keeping blood sugar levels within a target range, people with diabetes can minimize risks and live fulfilling lives.
(With inputs from Reuters)