Posted: August 14th, 2022

Diabetes: A Matter of Public Danger

Diabetes: A Matter of Public Danger

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide and poses serious threats to public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, and it is estimated to reach 570 million by 2030 and 700 million by 2045 (WHO, 2023). Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation (WHO, 2020). It also increases the risk of early death and lowers the quality of life for many people (CDC, 2021). Moreover, diabetes has been linked to other conditions such as dementia, hearing loss and some forms of cancer (CDC, 2021). Diabetes also affects the health systems and economies of countries, especially low- and middle-income ones, where most people with diabetes live (IDF, 2021).

Causes and Types of Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. High blood glucose levels, also called hyperglycaemia, can damage many organs and systems in the body over time (WHO, 2020). The main causes of diabetes are genetic factors, environmental factors and lifestyle factors. Genetic factors include mutations or variations in genes that affect insulin production or action. Environmental factors include viruses or toxins that damage the pancreas or trigger autoimmune reactions. Lifestyle factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, overweight and obesity, and physical inactivity (WHO, 2020).

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. It usually occurs in children and young adults and accounts for about 10% of all cases of diabetes (Wild et al., 2004). Type 2 diabetes is characterized by impaired insulin action or secretion and can be managed with diet, physical activity, medication and sometimes insulin. It usually occurs in adults and accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes (Wild et al., 2004). It is often associated with overweight and obesity, which increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to seven times (WHO, 2020). Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy and affects both the mother and the child. It can cause complications such as high blood pressure, preterm delivery and birth defects. It also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child (WHO, 2020).

Prevention and Control of Diabetes

Diabetes can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthy behaviours that reduce the main risk factors for diabetes. These include quitting tobacco use, eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar, salt and fat and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding obesity, and engaging in regular physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week (WHO, 2020). These behaviours can also help people with diabetes to manage their condition and prevent or delay its complications.

Diabetes can also be controlled by ensuring access to quality health services that provide screening, diagnosis, treatment and care for people with diabetes. This includes providing affordable essential medicines such as insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agents, diagnostics such as blood glucose meters and test strips, and health technologies such as syringes and needles. It also includes providing education and counselling for people with diabetes and their families on how to self-manage their condition effectively. Furthermore, it includes providing integrated care that addresses not only diabetes but also its associated conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular diseases (WHO, 2023).

Conclusion

Diabetes is a matter of public danger that affects millions of people worldwide and poses serious threats to public health. It can cause severe complications that impair the quality of life and increase the risk of early death for many people. It can also burden the health systems and economies of countries, especially low- and middle-income ones. Therefore, it is imperative to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by adopting healthy behaviours that reduce the main risk factors for diabetes. It is also essential to control diabetes by ensuring access to quality health services that provide comprehensive care for people with diabetes. By doing so, we can reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals, communities and societies and achieve better health outcomes for all.

References

CDC (2021). Diabetes. Division of Global Health Protection. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/ncd/diabetes.html

IDF (2021). About diabetes: diabetes facts and figures. International Diabetes Federation. https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes/facts-figures.html

PAHO (2021). Diabetes. Pan American Health Organization. https://www.paho.org/en/topics/diabetes

WHO (2020). Diabetes. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

WHO (2023). Addressing diabetes as a public health problem. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB148/B148%286%29-en.pdf

Wild S, Roglic G, Green A, Sicree R, King S (2004). Global prevalence of diabetes. Diabetes Care, 27(5), 1047–1053.

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