World Diabetes Day: What You Need to Know

Want to hear some pretty shocking statistics? According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas (2021), 10.5% of adults aged 20 to 79 have diabetes, and nearly half of them don’t even know they have it. By 2045, it’s predicted that 1 in 8 adults, or about 783 million people, will have diabetes, which is a 46% increase. Considering that more than 90% of cases are type 2 diabetes, which may be preventable, World Diabetes Day on November 14th aims to raise awareness about the condition. By raising awareness, people can learn about the risk factors, promote early detection, and make changes in their lifestyle to help prevent or delay diabetes.

What is causing the increase in type 2 diabetes?

The main reasons for the increase in type 2 diabetes include urbanization, an aging population, lower physical activity levels, and rising rates of overweight and obesity. Despite this, we can lessen diabetes impacts by taking steps to prevent type 2 diabetes and ensuring early diagnosis and proper care for all diabetes types. 

World Diabetes Day is the largest diabetes awareness event globally, reaching over 1 billion people across more than 160 countries. Its goal is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and to prevent the disease in those at risk.

How to promote diabetes awareness?

This World Diabetes Day, get involved and support the focus on well-being in diabetes care. Share your experiences using #DiabetesLife on social media to raise awareness.

Understanding Different Types of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, often simply called diabetes, refers to a group of conditions affecting how your body converts food into energy. When you consume carbohydrates, your body changes them into a sugar called glucose, which enters your bloodstream. The pancreas then releases insulin, a hormone that helps transport glucose from your blood into cells for energy. In people with diabetes who aren’t treated, the body either doesn’t use the insulin properly or is not getting enough owing to some problem within the pancreas, resulting in high blood sugar levels. This can lead to serious or even life-threatening health issues.

Diabetes comes in various forms. One of these forms is prediabetes, which is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Normally, blood sugar levels range from 70 mg/dL to 99 mg/dL. For those with prediabetes, their levels are between 110 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL. Prediabetes often shows no symptoms, and more than a third of people in the U.S. have it, though about 90% are unaware.

Over 70% of those with prediabetes may develop type 2 diabetes and face risks of heart, kidney, and nerve damage. However, you can reduce these risks and possibly reverse prediabetes by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and quitting smoking. If these lifestyle changes are difficult or if you’re at high risk for type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest medications like Precose or Metformin.

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the pancreas with antibodies, preventing it from making insulin. Genetics might play a role in developing this type of diabetes, and issues with insulin-producing cells in the pancreas can also contribute. Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes appear quickly, within days or weeks, and include frequent thirst and hunger, increased urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. About 30% of people experience a diabetic coma, a serious condition leading to unconsciousness, as an initial symptom. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you or your child exhibit signs like fruity-smelling breath, dry or flushed skin, nausea, difficulty breathing, inability to focus, confusion, vomiting, or stomach pain.

Treatment requires injecting insulin just under the skin using syringes, insulin pens with prefilled cartridges and a thin needle, jet injectors that use air pressure to deliver insulin, or pumps that feed insulin through a tube to a catheter in the belly. Managing type 1 diabetes involves regularly testing blood sugar levels, planning meals carefully, exercising daily, and taking insulin along with other diabetes medications as needed.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy when the body becomes resistant to insulin. The condition typically resolves after childbirth. However, individuals who have experienced gestational diabetes are 8 to 10 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future and have double the risk of heart disease compared to those who haven’t had gestational diabetes.

Monogenic diabetes occurs when a single gene mutation affects the body’s ability to produce insulin. This rare form of diabetes is usually inherited from one or both parents, though spontaneous mutations can also occur. In the U.S., monogenic diabetes accounts for up to four percent of all diabetes cases.

Secondary diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs due to another health condition. This can include hormone problems, such as excess cortisol (Cushing’s syndrome) or too much growth hormone (acromegaly). Other causes might be issues with the pancreas, having too much iron, or conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Some medications, like steroids, can also lead to secondary diabetes. To treat it, doctors focus on addressing the main health issue, making lifestyle changes, and using insulin or other medicines to manage blood sugar levels.

What are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the most common forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas, stopping it from producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t respond well to insulin or is getting insufficient insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can appear suddenly within days or a week, while type 2 diabetes symptoms take longer, about a year, to develop. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin medication because their bodies no longer produce it. Those with type 2 diabetes may need insulin when their pancreas stops producing enough or they have developed insulin resistance.

Empowering Individuals with Knowledge about Type 2 Diabetes

Understanding health information is important for making better choices about exercise and diet for people with diabetes. This should start with comprehensive doctor-to-patient education, but often, things slip through the cracks, especially considering the strain healthcare systems are under. So, it is always best to take some responsibility for our own education to help manage our health alongside a medical plan.

A successful partnership between a doctor and a patient relies on both parties taking responsibility. Doctors need to share important health and wellness information, while patients should use this information to make decisions that benefit their health. Some resources that may be helpful to learn specifically about diabetes are:

• US Government’s Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Toolkit
• UCFC’s Diabetes Education Online
• American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Food Hub
• IsraelPharm’s Blogs about Diabetes

Strategies for Better Diabetes Management

If you have diabetes, it’s crucial to maintain your blood sugar levels in the range your doctor suggests. However, many things can cause your blood sugar to fluctuate, sometimes rapidly, making well-implemented diabetes management strategies an important part of your daily routine. 

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is especially important for people with diabetes because you need to understand how food affects your blood sugar levels. It’s not just about what you eat, but also how much and how you mix different foods in your meals and snacks. To maintain a balanced diet, you should learn about meal planning. Two popular methods are counting carbohydrates and using the plate method. You can ask a healthcare professional or dietitian to help you choose the best approach.

Carbohydrate counting involves tracking the grams of carbohydrates you consume each day. This is particularly important if you take insulin at mealtimes since knowing the carb content helps you take the right insulin dose. Carbs have a big impact on blood sugar because the body turns them into sugar, which raises blood sugar levels. However, some carbs are healthier than others. For instance, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are rich in nutrients and fiber, which help stabilize blood sugar. It’s best to eat fewer refined and highly processed carbs, like white bread, white rice, sugary cereals, cakes, cookies, candy, and chips, as they can cause blood sugar spikes.

The plate method is an easier way to plan meals than counting carbs, it promotes a balanced diet and helps control portion sizes. Start with a nine-inch plate: fill half with nonstarchy vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, etc. Divide the other half into two equal sections. One section should hold a lean protein like fish, beans, eggs, or lean meat and poultry. In the other section, add healthy carbohydrates like whole grains.

Can I drink juice with diabetes?

Cut back on sugary drinks because they usually have lots of calories but not much nutrition. They can also make your blood sugar spike quickly. If you have diabetes, it’s smart to avoid these drinks, except when your blood sugar is too low. In that case, sugary drinks like regular soda, juice, or sports drinks can help raise your blood sugar quickly.

Exercise

Exercise is essential for people with diabetes. When you stay active, your muscles use blood sugar for energy, and regular physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively. These benefits work together to lower blood sugar levels. The more intense your workout, the longer the benefits last, but even light activities like housework, gardening, and walking can help improve your blood sugar.

What is a good exercise for diabetes?

To get started on exercise for diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about an exercise plan that’s right for you. Generally, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, which includes exercises like walking, biking, and swimming that get your heart rate up. Try to do about 30 minutes of such activities on most days. Adults should also include strength-training exercises in their routine two to three times a week.

If you’ve been inactive for a while, your doctor might want to evaluate your overall health first. After that, they can suggest the right mix of aerobic and strength exercises for you. Ask your doctor about the best time of day to work out so it fits with your meals and medications. Also, know your blood sugar levels. Discuss with your doctor what levels are right for you before starting exercise. Check your blood sugar if needed, and ask your doctor about how often you should test it. If you don’t take insulin or other diabetes medication, you might not need to check your blood sugar before or during exercise.

Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or other fluids when you exercise, as dehydration can impact your blood sugar levels. Always be prepared by having a small snack, glucose tablets, or glucose gel with you in case your blood sugar drops too low. Carrying medical identification is important; it lets others know you have diabetes and if you take medication like insulin. Medical IDs can be in the form of cards, bracelets, or necklaces. 

Medication

Medicine for diabetes, like insulin, helps reduce blood sugar levels when diet and exercise aren’t enough. The effectiveness of these medicines relies on the right timing and dosage. Other medications you take for different health issues can also influence your blood sugar levels.

Here’s what you should do: Make sure to store insulin correctly because improperly stored or expired insulin might not work. Keep it away from extreme temperatures—don’t freeze it or leave it in direct sunlight. If you have any issues with your diabetes medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. If your blood sugar gets too low, your doctor might need to adjust your medication dosage or schedule. 

Can I drink alcohol with diabetes?

For people with diabetes, drinking alcohol can be risky as it may cause low blood sugar soon after consumption and for hours later. Normally, the liver releases stored sugar to help keep blood sugar levels stable. However, when the liver is processing alcohol, it might not provide the needed sugar boost. If your diabetes is managed well and your doctor approves, having an occasional drink is usually okay. If you like mixed drinks, opt for sugar-free mixers to avoid raising your blood sugar. Also, remember to count the calories from alcohol in your daily intake. Consult your healthcare provider or a dietitian for advice on how to fit alcoholic drinks into your diet plan.

Before going to bed, it’s important to check your blood sugar level. Alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop hours after you’ve had your last drink. If your blood sugar level isn’t between 100 mg/dL and 140 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L and 7.8 mmol/L), you should have a snack before sleep. This snack can help prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low.

Manage Stress

Managing stress is crucial for people with diabetes because stress hormones can increase your blood sugar levels. Stress can also make it tougher to stick to your regular diabetes management routine. Make healthy lifestyle changes like practicing relaxation techniques, prioritizing tasks, and setting limits. Try to avoid stressful situations whenever possible. Exercising regularly can also help reduce stress and lower your blood sugar.

If you’re finding it hard to cope, consider seeking help from a psychologist or clinical social worker. They can teach you how to identify stressors, solve problems, and develop coping strategies.

Future Directions and Innovations for Type 2 Diabetes

There have been some great advances in diabetes management and technology in the last year or two. Most people by now have heard of Ozempic, which, despite being popular for its weight loss effects, is actually a medication for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works with your body’s own ability to lower blood sugar and is designed to respond when your blood sugar rises, helping your body release its own insulin.

For type 1 diabetes, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved groundbreaking diabetes technology: the iLet Bionic Pancreas by Beta Bionics. When used with a compatible continuous glucose monitor, the technology automates insulin delivery through an algorithm, removing the challenging and often inaccurate task of counting carbohydrates. This advancement simplifies the management of type 1 diabetes, making it much easier to manage well. 

By supporting World Diabetes Day, you can help raise awareness and funding for the development of even more advanced diabetes management medications and systems in the near future.