Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, which can eventually cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
The most common form is type 2 diabetes, primarily seen in adults, where the body either becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough of it.
Over the past three decades, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has surged dramatically across countries of all income levels.
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Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
For individuals living with diabetes, access to affordable treatment, particularly insulin, is essential for survival.
There is a global target to halt the rise of diabetes and obesity by 2025.
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Currently, around 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries.
Each year, diabetes directly causes approximately 1.5 million deaths. Both the number of cases and the global prevalence of diabetes have been steadily increasing in recent decades.
Symptoms
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue.
These symptoms can appear suddenly.
In type 2 diabetes, symptoms are generally similar but often less pronounced, which can delay diagnosis until complications arise. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes to ensure early detection and management.