World Diabetes Day

Diabetes Mellitus is group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). There are two types- Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
Type 1: A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin
Type 2: A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose)

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2018 and 2019 is The Family and Diabetes. Visit www.worlddiabetesday.org  for more information and tips on how you can get involved.

Families are urged to learn more about the warning signs of diabetes and find out their risk of type 2 diabetes. Research conducted by IDF in 2018 discovered that parents would struggle to spot this serious life-long condition in their own children. Despite the majority of people surveyed having a family member with diabetes, an alarming four-in-five parents would have trouble recognising the warning signs.  One-in-three wouldn’t spot them at all.

The findings underline the need for education and awareness to help people spot the diabetes warning signs early.

A lack of knowledge about diabetes means that spotting the warning signs is not just a problem for parents, but is an issue impacting a cross-section of society. This is a major concern, due to the signs being milder in type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form of the condition, responsible for around 90% of all diabetes. One in two people currently living with diabetes are undiagnosed. The vast majority of these have type 2 diabetes.

Left untreated or unmanaged, diabetes can lead to life-changing complications. These include blindness, amputation, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke. Diabetes was responsible for four million deaths in 2017.

The WDD 2019 has three main focus areas:
-Discover diabetes
-Prevent type 2 diabetes
-Manage diabetes

DETECTING DIABETES EARLY INVOLVES THE FAMILY TOO

One in every two people with diabetes is undiagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping prevent or delay life-threatening complications.

If type 1 diabetes is not detected early, it can lead to serious disability or death. Know the signs and symptoms to protect yourself and your family.

PREVENTING TYPE 2 DIABETES INVOLVES THE FAMILY TOO

Many cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Reducing your family’s risk starts at home.

When a family eats healthy meals and exercises together, all family members benefit and encourage behaviours that could help prevent type 2 diabetes in the family.

If you have diabetes in your family, learn about the risks, the warning signs to look out for and what you can do to prevent diabetes and its complications.

Families need to live in an environment that supports healthy lifestyles and helps them to prevent type 2 diabetes.

CARING FOR MY DIABETES INVOLVES MY FAMILY TOO

Managing diabetes requires daily treatment, regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle and ongoing education. Family support is key.

All health professionals should have the knowledge and skills to help individuals and families manage diabetes.

Education and ongoing support should be accessible to all individuals and families to help manage diabetes.

Essential diabetes medicines and care must be accessible and affordable for every family.

-International Diabetes Federation