November 14th is recognized globally as World Diabetes Day, a designation that has been official since 1991. As with every year, it is vital to highlight diabetes as one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses in the United States, according to the FDA. On a global scale, the chronic illness ranks among the leading causes of death, positioned at number eight alongside kidney disease, respiratory infections, and strokes, as reported by WHO in 2021. This data has not yet been updated for 2024.
• In the U.S., approximately 28.4 million people are living with diabetes, accounting for 11.6% of the population out of a total of 334.9 million, including both children and teens.
• Among adults, 38.1 million have diabetes, representing 14.7% of the adult population.
The likelihood of developing the illness increases with age, with older adults—especially white and Hispanic men aged 65 and over—being the most affected.
What You Really Need to Know About Diabetes:
1. Treatments are categorized into two main types:
a) Pharmacological: This approach uses medications to stimulate insulin production and enhance the cells’ ability to absorb glucose.
b) Non-Pharmacological: This treatment prioritizes nutritional interventions and increased physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. It also emphasizes mental health support and encourages patients to engage in self-care behaviors and self-monitoring in managing the disease.
2. In recent research published this year in Revista Portales Médicos, dietary intervention was identified as the most effective strategy for reducing the risk of diabetes in individuals with prediabetes, showing a 59% risk reduction. People with LADA may also benefit from a non-pharmacological approach, but it’s essential to follow guidance from their primary care doctor, as medication may still be necessary. Each patient responds differently, so prioritizing personal health and consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial.
3. Young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have shown declines in cognitive levels and overall performance. Skills such as long-term memory, attention, and functions like focus, emotional control, flexibility, and inhibitory control are impacted. The research observed that these effects are more prominent in individuals at the early stages of the illness. This conclusion was drawn from nineteen studies conducted with children and teens.
4. In the same research, which also reviewed twenty-four studies involving children and teenagers, findings indicated that diabetes can also affect linguistic abilities, reading skills, and motor speed, although only in a subset of individuals. The full study is available for further reading.
5. Mental health is significantly impacted, especially among younger generations, when diabetes is diagnosed. Researchers worldwide have studied for years how mental health can be severely affected by this condition.
In 2023, a study conducted in Ecuador found that psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and stress-related disorders are common among the patients. This phenomenon is often referred to as “diabetes distress,” a term translated from the Spanish angustia de la diabetes. Robinson defines this concept as the negative emotions associated with living with a chronic illness, including depression and emotional grief following a diabetes diagnosis.
The research highlights high rates of depression among the patients, with some of the highest rates observed in Asia: Nepal at 45.2%, Bangladesh at 23.5%, and India at 35.4%. The full study is available for further reading.
The importance of early diagnosis:
An early diagnosis can be life-saving, regardless of the type or stage of diabetes. Taking steps to care for your body and making early progress can lead to a higher quality of life and more healthy years ahead. Scheduling an annual check-up is essential to stay informed about your health and prevent any unexpected issues.
We hope these research-based insights support your well-being. At WMA, your health is our top priority.
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