Diabetes
Diabetes, a chronic condition, manifests when the pancreas doesn't generate sufficient insulin or when the body can't efficiently utilize the insulin it creates. Insulin serves as a hormone crucial for managing blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia, often termed elevated blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a frequent consequence of unmanaged diabetes. Over time, it severely harms various bodily systems, notably impacting nerves and blood vessels. Hyperglycemia, often termed elevated blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a frequent consequence of unmanaged diabetes. Over time, it severely harms various bodily systems, notably impacting nerves and blood vessels.
Facts:
- In 2014, 8.5% of adults aged 18 and above were affected by diabetes. By 2019, diabetes directly accounted for 1.5 million fatalities, with 48% occurring before the age of 70. Diabetes also led to an additional 460,000 deaths due to kidney disease, while approximately 20% of cardiovascular deaths were linked to elevated blood glucose levels.
- The diabetes population surged from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Notably, the prevalence escalated faster in low- and middle-income nations compared to high-income ones.
- Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 3% increase in diabetes mortality rates by age.
- In 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes caused an estimated 2 million deaths.
- A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Focus on Diabetes