Here are a few interesting facts about diabetes and it’s penetration throughout the world.

1. There is NO CURE for diabetes
2. Diabetes increasing in pandemic proportions
3. In 2011, 366 million people (8.3%) worldwide were affected by diabetes and 280 million people (6.4%) were affected by Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). Numbers are expected to rise to 552 million (9.9%) for diabetes and 398 million (7.1%) for IGT by 2030.
4. In 2011, 71.4 million people (8.3%) in South East Asia were affected by diabetes and 23.8 million people (2.8%) were affected by Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT). Numbers are expected to rise to 120.9 million (10.2%) for diabetes and 38.6 million (3.2%) for IGT by2030.
5. 183 million people (50%) with diabetes are undiagnosed.
6. 80% of people with diabetes live in low-and middle-income countries.
7. Diabetes is the 4th or 5th leading cause of death in most high-income countries.
8. Almost one-fifth of the world’s people with diabetes live in South-East Asia Region.
9. Diabetes caused 4.6 million deaths in 2011 (8.2% of global all-cause mortality).
10. Diabetes will cause 10 million deaths by 2030.
11. Approximately 8 people die every minute from diabetes related causes
12. Half of the deaths below the age of 60 are caused by diabetes related causes
13. 18 people develop diabetes every minute
14. Adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity can reduce the development of Type 2 Diabetes up to 80%
15. 50% or more of people with diabetes die of cardio vascular disease, heart and strokes.
16. Diabetes is responsible for over 1 million amputations each year.
17. 2.5 million people develop blindness each year due to diabetes
18. 20% of people with diabetes die of renal failure.
19. More than 2.5 million people worldwide are affected by diabetic retinopathy.
20. On average, people with diabetes will die 5-10 years younger than people without diabetes and mostly due to cardiovascular disease.
21. It has been estimated that between 5-10% of the total healthcare spending of the world is spent on diabetes related conditions.

Who can get diabetes?

In short, anyone. Diabetes transcends age, gender, social status, caste or creed, job and race. Anyone can be susceptible to diabetes if they do not understand the risks associated with it.

What can lead to diabetes?

There are many risks that can lead to diabetes. The goal is to understand these risks and prevent the onset of diabetes during the early stages of your life.

1. Being overweight

   Being overweight raises your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It can cause other problems, too, like high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, and high blood glucose (sugar). Losing weight can help you prevent and manage many of these problems and maintain a healthy body weight. [link to BMI Calc].

   Normal body detentions:
   Female – under 80CM
   Male – Under 90CM
   BMI – Normal: 18 -23
   Overweight23: 23 – 25
   Obese: 25 – 30

2. Lack of exercise

   The current lifestyle and inability to get adequate exercise is a major contributor to diabetes. Many people don’t have the time or lack of motivation to get enough exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise helps manage your bodyweight as well as burn off excess sugar and fat.

3. Stress

   Stress related hormonal and metabolic changes are associated with nutritional and physiological changes. High levels of stress also contribute to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Managing stress is imperative to leading a healthy lifestyle. Failure of expectation leads to stress.

4. Family History

   If you have immediate family members or have diabetes in the family history, you are more prone to diabetes. It is essential to choose a healthy lifestyle and be mindful of the fact that you are at risk of diabetes.

5. Smoking

   Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. Smoking lowers the amount of oxygen that gets to your organs, raises your bad cholesterol and raises your blood pressure. If you don’t smoke, great! If you do, it’s time to quit. Narrows blood vessels.

6. Alcohol

   Alcohol is a high calorie intake and can cause many problems. Consumption of alcohol with chasers such as sweetened sodas will increase blood sugar levels. If you must, consume alcohol in moderation and reduce the intake of sweetened aerated water. Use club soda or water whenever possible.