It is estimated that by 2025, 5.4% of all adult population in the world would have some form of diabetes. This would be approximately 300 million as per conservative estimates.
Though type 1 diabetes is not preventable, you can prevent type 2 diabetes by addressing your risk of diabetes. Many people young and old are at a risk of getting diabetes. Though diabetes is not specific to a certain place or age, risk factors range from ethnicity to diet. Here are a few risk factors increase the chances of getting diabetes.
- Being overweight.
- Leading a physically inactive life.
- Having a family history of diabetes.
- Dietary factors like consumption of refined sugars and saturated fats.
- High blood pressure.
- Environmental factors.
- Certain viral infections.
- Presence of autoantibodies.
- Impaired glucose tolerance.
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy.
- History of gestational diabetes.
Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes affects all the parts of the body over a period of time. Damage occurs to the blood vessels and the nerves of the body. This leads to significant damage to the kidneys, eyes, and can even lead to cardiovascular diseases. Nerve damage in people with diabetes leads to diabetic foot and feet amputations.
Complications of diabetes include:
- Diabetic Neuropathy.
- Diabetic Nephropathy.
- Diabetic Retinopathy.
- Complications during pregnancy.
There are numerous long term and short term conditions that can arise due to diabetes, these include:
- End-stage kidney disease.
- Blindness
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
- Diabetic Coma.
- Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome.
- Cataract
- Loss of consciousness.
- Sexual Dysfunction.
- Heart palpitations.
- Poor blood circulation.
- Impaired ability to focus/ impaired thought.
- Mood swings.
- Skin and bone problems.
- Gum and teeth problems.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
