In comparison to 108 million adults worldwide in 1980, 422 million adults were predicted to have diabetes in 2014. According to data from the World Health Assembly of the United Nations, the prevalence of diabetes in the adult population has nearly doubled since 1980, going from 4.7% to 8.5%.
Diabetes prevalence has increased more quickly in low- and middle-income nations during the past ten years than in high-income nations.
The UN urged Member States to create national policies for the prevention, treatment, and care of diabetes in accordance with the sustainable development of their health-care systems in a statement released in honor of World Diabetes Day, which is observed annually on November 14.
Diabetes is a significant contributor to renal disease, heart attacks, strokes, blindness, and lower limb amputation.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Additionally, by taking medication, getting routine screenings, and getting treatment for complications, diabetes can be managed and its effects postponed or avoided.
Access to diabetes care is the focus of World Diabetes Day 2021–23.
Diabetes is a chronic illness that develops when the pancreas either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or when the body cannot properly utilize the insulin that it does. This results in the blood’s level of glucose rising (hyperglycaemia).