Surjit Singh Flora
World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14th, commemorates the birth anniversary of Frederick Banting. Banting, alongside Charles Best, played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and subsequent discovery of insulin in 1921.
The designated theme for World Diabetes Day in 2023 is “Enhancing Access to Diabetes Care.” The central theme of this discussion centers around the significance of equitable access to diabetes healthcare and the provision of accurate information pertaining to the disease. The central focus of this year’s theme revolves around providing comprehensive diabetes education to individuals who are managing the condition.
The causes of diabetes include– The combination of binge eating, lack of physical activity, and hypothyroidism can result in the excessive accumulation of blood glucose within the human body. When there is an excess of glucose in the body, it undergoes conversion into fat which is then stored in various areas such as the abdomen, thighs, waist, chest, arms, hands, and legs. When there is a lack of available space, the excess glucose is eliminated from the body through the process of urination, which is a characteristic symptom of diabetes. The presence of velvety plaques in the neck and/or armpit region may indicate a potential association with diabetes. Women may experience certain health conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Untreated hypothyroidism has the potential to result in the development of diabetes and hypertension.
The Indian diet primarily comprises refined cereal grains, such as white rice or refined wheat, which contribute to approximately 50% of the daily caloric intake. Therefore, it can be observed that Indian diets exhibit a significantly elevated dietary glycemic load, which in turn is correlated with an increased susceptibility to diabetes. Approximately 16.7% of individuals worldwide diagnosed with diabetes are residents of India.
There is a global population of approximately 537 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 who are currently diagnosed with diabetes. This accounts for approximately 1 in 10 individuals within this age group. The projected figure indicates that the number is expected to increase to 643 million by 2030 and further to 783 million by 2045. More than 75% of adults diagnosed with diabetes reside in low- and middle-income countries. The presented data necessitates immediate intervention. The significance of diabetes education cannot be overstated, as it enables individuals to make well-informed decisions, adopt behavioral changes, and effectively address the psychosocial challenges associated with this potentially life-threatening condition.
According to research findings (11), adult males exhibit a higher susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes in comparison to adult females. Around 30% of the Canadian population identifies themselves as having African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, or South Asian heritage (14). The following demographic groups have a higher susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes (11).
According to a recently published study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and the Indian Council of Medical Research, India is home to approximately 101 million individuals diagnosed with diabetes, with an additional 136 million individuals in the pre-diabetes stage. The percentage of population in Kerala is 25.5%, in Chandigarh it is 20.4%, in Delhi it is 17.8%, in Tamil Nadu it is 14.4%, in West Bengal it is 13.7%, in Sikkim it is 12.8%, in Punjab it is 12.7%, and in Haryana it is 12.4%.
In India, it is estimated that there are approximately 77 million individuals aged 18 and above who are affected by type 2 diabetes, with an additional 25 million individuals classified as prediabetic, indicating a heightened risk of developing diabetes in the near future.
Presently, there is an estimated population of 25.2 million adults who are believed to be affected by impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Projections indicate that this number is expected to rise to approximately 35.7 million by the year 2045. India is positioned as the second highest country, following China, in terms of the global diabetes epidemic, with a staggering 77 million individuals affected by this condition.
According to the Indian government, the increasing prevalence of diabetes can be attributed to factors such as unhealthy dietary patterns, insufficient physical activity, and the detrimental consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
Professor Magliano presented the rankings of the top 10 countries worldwide based on the prevalence of diabetes among adults. China is currently the global leader with a population of 140.9 million individuals. Following China, the countries with the next highest populations are India, Pakistan, the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Bangladesh, Japan, and Egypt.
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. The condition arises due to the body’s impaired capacity to produce or effectively utilize insulin. Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the utilization of glucose for energy within the human body. Insufficient insulin production or utilization can result in the accumulation of glucose in the bloodstream, which can give rise to a range of health complications.
There exist two primary classifications of diabetes, namely Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a medical condition characterized by an autoimmune response, wherein the body’s immune system targets and eliminates the insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. In the absence of insulin, the body’s ability to utilize glucose for energy is compromised, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. This particular form of diabetes typically initiates during childhood or adolescence and constitutes approximately 10% of all reported cases of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is widely recognized as the predominant form of diabetes, constituting approximately 90% of all reported cases. The root causes can be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes commonly exhibit a higher body weight or obesity, coupled with insufficient insulin production, resulting in challenges in regulating their blood glucose levels. Over a period of time, the human body develops a resistance to the physiological effects of insulin, resulting in the accumulation of glucose within the circulatory system.
The precise etiology of diabetes remains uncertain; however, researchers posit that a multifactorial interplay of genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences may collectively contribute to its pathogenesis. The influence of genetics is evident in the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Scientists have successfully identified specific genes that may confer a higher susceptibility to the development of diabetes in certain individuals. Furthermore, lifestyle and environmental factors, including dietary choices, level of physical activity, and potential exposure to specific toxins, can potentially elevate an individual’s susceptibility to developing diabetes.
The global incidence of diabetes is on the rise, posing a significant public health challenge. The global prevalence of diabetes is estimated to exceed 420 million individuals, with projections indicating a significant rise to over 642 million by the year 2040. Diabetes is a prominent contributor to mortality and morbidity, often leading to severe health complications such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accidents, renal failure, visual impairment, and neuropathy.
One of the most effective strategies for preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes is to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is important to maintain a well-rounded lifestyle by adhering to a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Furthermore, individuals who have a familial predisposition to diabetes should undergo regular screening to detect elevated blood glucose levels. Timely identification and intervention can effectively mitigate the likelihood of experiencing complications associated with diabetes.
For individuals with diabetes, it is advisable to incorporate a greater quantity of high-fiber foods into their diet. Soluble fiber, a specific type of dietary fiber, has the potential to aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Please consider incorporating the following high-fiber foods into your diet: The following vegetables are available: cauliflower, okra (also known as Bhindi), eggplant (also known as Brinjal or Baingan), bitter melon (also known as Karela), spinach, potato, corn, sweet potato, broccoli, and carrots.
(The author is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton Canada).