Many people say that eating sweets leads to diabetes.
However, experts have clarified that this is a misconception, and there is much more the public needs to know.
Yesterday, November 14, we celebrated World Diabetes Day—a global observance aiming to raise public awareness about diabetes.
It was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in partnership with the World Health Organization, in response to the growing number of diabetes cases worldwide.
The question remains: What is diabetes, and how does it develop?
First, diabetes is a condition where blood glucose or blood sugar levels are too high, which can lead to serious complications.
There is a condition known as Type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
Insulin is a vital hormone that helps the body absorb sugar through a process called cellular respiration, converting it into stored energy or fat.
Type 1 diabetes is more common among young people.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, results from the pancreas producing insufficient insulin and is more commonly found in adults.
Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, and extreme fatigue.
People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, kidney failure, and other complications that, if left untreated, could be fatal.
However, diabetes is not only caused by lifestyle; it is also hereditary, especially Type 2 diabetes.
Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with it.
In fact, data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2021 showed that around 537 million people worldwide had diabetes, including 66 million Filipinos.
Further, the IDF study in 2021 reported that 6.7 million people died due to diabetes, meaning one patient died every 1 to 5 seconds.
To address the growing number of cases, the Department of Health has implemented measures, including free check-ups, nutritional education, and diabetes awareness programs.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods high in sugar and fat, and regular exercise are key to a healthy body.
**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
