World Diabetes Day is the leading global awareness campaign for this chronic disorder, held on 14 November each year. More than 346 million people have diabetes, and over 80% of deaths related to this disease occur in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Europe, diabetes currently affects around 30 million people and this is only set to rise further, with 10 per cent of the continent's population expected to be suffering from the disease by 2025. Type 2 diabetes, in particular, is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and contributes to the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and end-stage renal disease. Projections are grim: more than 900 million people are expected to be diagnosed with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes within the next two decades.
Are you at risk of Diabetes ?
According to Diabetes UK, most cases of diabetes are detected by accident, when the person visits their doctor with another medical condition.
But a late diagnosis of diabetes increases the risk of serious complications such as stroke, kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and amputation.
Middle aged men are twice as likely to have diabetes compared with women, but are less likely to visit their GP.
Most at risk
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor. Around 80 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Other risk factors include:
•Having a large waist
•Being of Black or South Asian origin
•Having a family history of the condition
•Being over the age of 40, or over 25 if you’re Black or of South Asian descent
At risk waist measurements are 37 inches or more for men, except those of South Asian origin who are at risk at 35 inches or more, and 31.5 inches or more for all women.
Diabetes warning signs
•Increased thirst
•Having to pee all the time, especially at night
•Extreme tiredness
•Blurred vision
•Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
•Wounds which are slow to heal
Diabetes risk assessment
As part of the NHS Health Check scheme for people aged between 40 and 74, GPs will assess whether you are at risk of developing, or may have type 2 diabetes.
Your BMI, blood pressure and family history will be taken into account. Depending on the results, they may order further tests to check your blood sugar levels.
If the assessment finds you are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, your GP will advise you on steps you should take to lower your risk of developing the disease.
References
yahoo.co.uk,(11/14/2011) healthy living,Diabetes: do you have it, but don't know it?
European Commission ( Cordis)news,(11/14/2011) World Diabetes DayWorld Diabetes Day: EU-funded researchers work to meet global challenge
