A healthcare professional tests blood sugar with a glucometer and lancet pen in a medical setting.

1 in 10 or 537 million adults worldwide suffer from Diabetes

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783 million adults are projected to have Diabetes by 2045

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  • Diabetes occurs when the body cannot control blood sugar or glucose levels.
  • A person can develop diabetes when their pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or their body doesn’t utilize insulin properly.
Flat lay of a glucose meter, syringe, and blue ribbon symbolizing diabetes awareness.

  • Blood sugar levels are regulated by the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas
  • Insulin transports glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for use as energy
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  • Earlier known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset diabetes
  • In this body doesn’t make enough insulin leading to high sugar levels
  • It is commonly seen in children or adolescents
  • These patients require daily administration of Insulin

  • Previously known as non-insulin dependent, or adult onset diabetes
  • It is the most common type of diabetes
  • In this body does not respond to insulin leading to high levels of blood sugar if not treated
  • Commonly seen in middle-aged people and older adults
  • Treatment includes – Lifestyle changes, Medicines , Insulin injections
  • 77 million adults in India are living with Diabetes
  • Number is projected to rise to 134.2 million by 2045
  • 44 million people with Diabetes in India remain undetected
  • >1 million deaths in India related to Diabetes and its associated complications

Diabetes develops at a younger age in India, at least a decade or two earlier than Europeans!!

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Why Indians are More Prone to Diabetes????

  • Insulin resistance- Indians have higher levels of Insulin Resistance i.e. the body doesn’t respond as it should to insulin
  • Genetics- Indians are genetically predisposed to diabetes
  • Central obesity – Indians have a higher prevalence of central obesity i.e. excessive accumulation of fat in the abdominal area increasing risk of diabetes & other health conditions
  • Lifestyle factors- Physical inactivity and consumption of high-calorie/high-fat and high-sugar diets. These are also the major contributing factors to central obesity

Symptoms of Diabetes

Complications of Diabetes

Testing for Diabetes

  • Fasting blood sugar test – Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL on two separate tests indicates diabetes
  • 2 hours – Postprandial blood sugar test – Measures blood sugar levels 2 hours after eating food. A blood sugar level of ≥200 mg/dL after two hours suggests diabetes.
  • Random blood sugar test- A blood sample is taken at a random time. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL suggests diabetes.
  • Glucose tolerance test- Measures blood sugar before and after drinking a liquid that contains glucose. A blood sugar level of ≥200 mg/dL after two hours suggests diabetes.
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Simple Tips for Diabetes Prevention!!

Loose extra weight

Be more physically active

Eat a healthy diet

Limit alcohol intake

Avoid Smoking

Manage stress

Get proper sleep

Go for regular checkups

Further Reading

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-2-diabetes.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-testing/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444


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