Diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), is one of the leading causes of blindness, amputation, heart disease, kidney failure and early death.
In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) claims that diabetes was the direct cause of an estimated 1.6 million deaths in 2016. Furthermore, the WHO claims the number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980, to a staggering 422 million in 2014. The figure continues to climb at an alarming rate.
With scores of people affected by diabetes, World Diabetes Day was created.
It was initially created in 1991 by the IDF and WHO, in response to the growing concerns about the rising health threat posed by diabetes.
However, it was only in 2006 that World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day. It is marked annually on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922.
But what exactly is diabetes? The Newcastillian speaks to Dr Amima Sundas, a specialist physician for Mediclinic Newcastle and who runs her own practice, to find out more about diabetes.
“There are two different types of diabetes, which are Type 1 and Type 2,” Dr Sundas explains.
What’s the difference between the two variations?
Dr Sundas explains that Type 1 diabetes is a condition where a patient’s pancreas produces little or no insulin, where Type 2 diabetes is a condition which affects the way a person’s body produces blood sugar (glucose).
When it comes to treatment, Dr Sundas explains people with Type 1 diabetes have to use insulin from the outset.
People with Type 2 diabetes begin treatment with tablets, before eventually moving onto using insulin. This is because their pancreas is unable to produce the necessary insulin to maintain control over their glucose levels.
With both forms of diabetes, Dr Sundas emphasises that one’s lifestyle and diet can impact the way they can control diabetes. “With diabetes, I would say 70% of treatment is a healthy lifestyle, especially with Type 2 diabetes.”
While a healthy diet and fitness regime in place can assist in controlling your diabetes, what are the symptoms? How do you know you might have diabetes?
Dr Sundas explains there are numerous tell-tale signs which can pinpoint if you have diabetes. These include:
- Being constantly thirsty
- Constantly tired
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Itching
- Unexpected weight loss
With World Diabetes Day taking place today, be sure to have yourself tested. By being proactive, you can ensure you lead a full life.
