World Diabetes Day: Diabetes is taking people under its control very fast. According to WHO, India can become the diabetes capital of the world by 2030. Bad lifestyle is behind this. Diabetes increases the risk of many diseases.
Diabetes And Heart Health: Diabetes is one of the most serious health challenges of our time. About 60 crore adults worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes. According to the 11th edition of the Diabetes Atlas of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2025, an estimated 589 million adults aged 20-79 worldwide will have diabetes. This means that one out of every nine adults will be a victim of diabetes. This number is expected to increase to 85.3 crore by 2050.
India can become the diabetes capital of the world
Talking about India, about 1 in 10 people is suffering from diabetes, and according to WHO, India can become the diabetes capital of the world by 2030. In such a situation, it is important to understand which risks increase rapidly with this disease. In view of the danger of diabetes, World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14 November, so that awareness about this disease can be spread among the people.
Type 2 diabetes occurs due to poor lifestyle and eating habits. If this disease occurs in the body, it affects the entire body. Continuously high sugar levels can damage the body’s nerves, kidneys, eyes, heart and even brain. This is the reason why it is also called Slow Killer Disease.
What risks are increased by diabetes-
Heart Disease
The risk of heart attack is very high in diabetic patients. According to research, the risk of heart attack increases 2 to 4 times in people with diabetes. Increasing blood sugar accelerates plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries.
Kidney Failure (Diabetic Nephropathy)
Diabetes is the biggest cause of kidney failure in the world. Talking about the data, kidney damage starts in about 30–40% of diabetic patients. If there is no control then dialysis may occur in 10-15 years.
Weak eyesight / blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy)
Due to increase in blood sugar the nerves of the eyes become weak. Due to which eyesight starts decreasing. Sometimes it can cause blindness. Retinopathy is found in about 25–30% of patients.
Risk of Stroke (Brain Stroke)
Diabetes also has a bad effect on the nerves of the brain. Due to which the risk of stroke increases two times.
Neuropathy
Tingling, burning, numbness in the feet are often a sign of diabetic neuropathy. Some type of neuropathy is found in approximately 50% of diabetic patients.
Diabetic foot and gangrene risk
Wounds do not heal due to effect on the nerves and blood circulation of the legs. Every year millions of patients suffer from foot ulcers. Sometimes, in serious cases, it even comes to the point of amputation.
Read more: Kidney Health: From excess tea to salt, 5 daily habits take a toll on the kidneys.
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Diabetes and high BP often occur together. Research found that 67% of diabetic patients also have high BP.
Liver Disease (Fatty Liver)
Due to increasing insulin resistance, fat gets accumulated in the liver. Therefore, diabetic patients are advised to eat less but frequently. Fatty liver is found in 50–70% of diabetic patients.
Skin & Fungal Infections
High sugar weakens the skin’s immunity. The risk of frequent fungal infections, wounds and itching increases.
Mental stress and depression
Blood sugar imbalance also affects mental health. The risk of depression increases 2 times in diabetic patients.
Important precautions for diabetic patients
- A diabetic patient has to check blood sugar regularly.
- Walk for at least 30-40 minutes every day.
- Avoid consuming rice, sugar, wheat, flour. If you are doing so, follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
- Get good sleep and do not get stressed.
- Get your eyes, kidneys and heart checked every year
Also read: World Diabetes Day: These 8 green leaves will reduce sugar level without any side effects.