Diabetes mellitus is an increasing health threat, both globally and nationally. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2019 the number of patients with diabetes aged 20-70 years was estimated at 463 million worldwide, and this number will reach 578 million in 2030.
On the other hand, 4.2 million deaths worldwide are caused by diabetes. At the same time, diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, kidney failure, permanent retinal damage and other serious complications.
Here are 10 facts you should know about diabetes.
- More than 1.000.000 people in Greece suffer from Diabetes
In Greece, more than 1 in 10 Greeks (and more specifically 12% of the general population) suffer from diabetes mellitus.
- Prediabetes is the condition where higher than normal blood sugar levels are seen.
Prediabetes is defined as higher than normal blood sugar level that is not however sufficient to qualify as diabetes. It is known as “impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance” and if left untreated can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterised by a lack of insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is the inefficient use of insulin by the body.
- Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes.
Almost 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes often develops in people aged 45 years and older, although there has been an increase in type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents.
- A key risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes is obesity.
The main risk factors associated with diabetes are obesity and family history. It appears that the lifestyle in urban centres contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes through weight gain due to sedentary lifestyles and poor diet. Both a healthy diet and exercise are a critical aspects of effective diabetes management.
- Diabetes can develop during pregnancy.
The onset of diabetes during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. In many cases, gestational diabetes is limited to the period of pregnancy, but it can be permanent. Controlling gestational diabetes is the key to a healthy pregnancy.
- Gestational diabetes can cause problems for the mother and child.
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of overgrowth of the baby, putting it at risk of injury during delivery. This increases the likelihood of a caesarean section. It is important to work with your obstetrician and endocrinologist to manage your condition and make the best choices for your baby’s health
- The psychological aspect of diabetes is equally important
People with diabetes have a significant psychological burden beyond the physical burden, as they are faced with a multifaceted and complex disease that they have to cope with and to do so they must first accept it.
- Type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a balanced diet and regular exercise. It can even be reversed with these methods to lose excess weight in conjunction with blood sugar monitoring.
- A symptom management plan is key.
Life with diabetes can be improved with healthy lifestyle choices and proper monitoring. By having a personalized plan that fits your schedule and goals, you can manage your diabetes symptoms.
Dr. Pavlatou treats type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes with personalized treatment and lifestyle programs. Our goal is to help our patients succeed in understanding how to manage their endocrine conditions on a daily basis in order to live as healthy as possible.