World Diabetes Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991 to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of diabetes, a condition that has reached epidemic proportions around the globe and continues to grow at an alarming rate as obesity rates continue to rise.

Today, nearly 400 million people are living with diabetes worldwide and this number is expected to reach nearly 600 million by 2030.

With numbers like these, it’s important that you know everything you can about diabetes and how to treat it so that you don’t become another statistic in this growing health problem. Here are seven things you should know about diabetes on World Diabetes Day.

Diabetes is the most common type of disease, which is a chronic condition that causes blood sugar levels to become too high. It’s important to know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes so you can take care of yourself accordingly. There are also many other things you should know about diabetes, like what signs to look for. With this information, you will be able to better understand your health and how it affects your body.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body has problems producing or using insulin. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to use or store glucose for energy.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when insulin producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed or have stopped working properly. It typically appears in children and young adults and cannot be prevented by lifestyle changes or drugs.

Some people with type 1 blood sugar produce little or no insulin because their pancreas cells have been attacked and destroyed by their immune system (auto immune). This is called an insulin-dependent form of the disease.

Insulin injections must then be given either via injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or intravenously. Types of Insulin: Insulin needs differ from person to person; so many types of insulin exist: Rapid Acting, Short Acting, Intermediate Acting, Long Acting and Pre-mixed Insulins.

Type 2 diabetes develops when not enough insulin is produced or the cells in the body do not react to insulin normally. and this form generally develops in adults over age 40. Both forms of diabetes can lead to devastating health complications if left untreated.

Diabetes Retinopathy

Most diabetics have heard of diabetes retinopathy, an eye disease that can affect people with the disease. But even though it’s the most common vision-threatening complication of diabetes and can lead to blindness if left unchecked, many people fail to treat it correctly — and thus fail to prevent further damage from occurring.

The problem with neglecting diabetes retinopathy

Diabetes is a chronic disease that has a number of serious complications. Among these are diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy, both serious conditions that often go unnoticed or neglected until they worsen. But don’t ignore your diabetes retinopathy this World Diabetes Day!

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to diabetes. The condition may lead to loss of vision or blindness if left untreated.

7 Myths About Diabetes You Need to Stop Believing

The Connection Between Diabetes and Blindness

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people between 20 and 74 years old. This is because diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, which can lead to retinopathy. Diabetics have a 10 times higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy than non-diabetics.

The symptoms to watch out for are blurry vision, seeing rainbow-colored halos around objects, or sudden loss of central vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important that you call your doctor ASAP so that they can diagnose the problem and get treatment going as soon as possible.

The Importance of Early Detection

Diabetes retinopathy is a type of eye disease that develops in people with diabetes. It is the leading cause of blindness in adults and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing vision loss, but many people neglect this issue altogether because they don’t realize how dangerous it can be.

This year, November 14th is World Diabetes Day, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your eyes healthy!

What You Can Do to Prevent Diabetes Retinopathy

Diabetes retinopathy is a complication of blood sugar levels that can lead to blindness, and it can be prevented. Unfortunately, many people with blood sugar may not know they have the disease or its effects until it’s too late. On November 14th we celebrate World Diabetes Day, and today is the perfect opportunity to remind yourself to start living with blood sugar again.

Here are 7 things you can do to prevent diabetes retinopathy:

1) Monitor your blood sugar levels at least once a day.

2) Eat healthy foods in moderation (avoid processed foods).

3) Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.

4) Watch your weight.

5) Get regular eye exams to catch any signs of retinopathy early on.

6) Speak up if you notice changes in vision, such as spots or blurriness, so a doctor can assess them.

7) Stay active! Exercise has been proven to reduce the risk for diabetic eye disease. It also promotes healthier cholesterol levels and good circulation, which reduces the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

And when you exercise, your body releases endorphins—those feel-good chemicals—which could help decrease stress and depression symptoms. Walking thirty minutes a day three days a week is enough to keep blood sugar at normal levels while also preventing diabetes retinopathy. It’s never too late to take care of your eyesight!

How to Get Involved in World Diabetes Day

Did you know that diabetes retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the working age population?

It’s estimated that there are over 79 million people with diabetes worldwide and that more than 6 million will develop diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime. On November 14th, join millions around the world by taking charge of your diabetes.

Conclusion

Here are a few ways to do just that:

Start a sugar smart campaign at work, school or in your community to raise awareness about diabetic eye disease and other consequences of uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Consider hosting a fundraiser for research into diabetes complications like diabetic retinopathy.

To get started, check out step-by-step guide from the International Diabetes Federation.

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