Every year on November 14th, the world comes together to celebrate World Diabetes Day, organized by the International Diabetes Federation, in order to raise awareness about a condition that affects over 400 million people globally. This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-Being“, emphasizes the importance of not only managing blood sugar levels but also prioritizing overall well-being: millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition at home, work, and school. They must be resilient, methodical, and responsible, in a daily effort that can affect both their physical and mental health. 

This World Diabetes Day, 14 November aims at putting well-being at the heart of diabetes care and starting the change for a better diabetes life.

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. In other words, living with diabetes means that blood glucose levels are higher than normal, a condition known as hyperglycemia. This condition, if not controlled, can lead over time to serious damage to many of the body’s systems: blood vessels, heart eyes, kidney and nerves.

For this reason, people with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Furthermore, diabetes can cause permanent vision loss by damaging blood vessels in the eyes, and many people with diabetes develop foot ulcers from nerve damage and poor blood flow.

In particular situations, diabetic subjects can also experience the opposite condition (hypoglycemia), when blood glucose levels drop excessively. This condition can also lead to serious, potentially fatal complications that require immediate action.

Diabetes is categorized into two main types:

– Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually manifests in childhood or adolescence.

– Type 2 Diabetes: Often linked to lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics; this type develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it. 

There is also gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy but often resolves after delivery. However, it raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Recognizing the symptoms of diabetes

While type 1 diabetes usually presents with a sudden onset, which can lead to serious complications, symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild and may take many years to be noticed: many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realizing it. Therefore, early detection is critical. 

Symptoms to watch out for include:

– Frequent urination

– Excessive thirst

– A constant sensation of hunger, despite regular eating habits

– Extreme Fatigue

– Blurred vision

– Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal 

– Unexplained weight loss (type 1)

– Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical advice for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Best practices for managing diabetes

Living with diabetes doesn’t just mean controlling blood sugar levels; it’s about adopting a healthy lifestyle to enhance well-being. Key best practices include:

– Healthy Diet: Opt for a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.

– Regular Exercise: Physical activity is essential for improving insulin sensitivity and maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

– Stress Management: Since stress can affect blood glucose levels, practices like yoga, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises can make a difference.

– Medication: In general, for people with diabetes it is essential to follow a balanced diet and constantly practice physical activity to lower blood sugar levels. In the case of type 1 diabetes, this is accompanied by insulin therapy, whether through injections (using syringes or the so-called “pens”) or insulin pumps. Instead, in people with type 2 diabetes often it may be necessary to add oral medications and, in some cases, insulin to diet and exercise. Along with medicines to lower blood sugar, people with diabetes often need medications to lower their blood pressure and statins to reduce the risk of complications.

– Routine Monitoring: Consistently checking blood glucose levels is crucial in maintaining control over the condition. There are two main ways to monitor blood glucose levels: the “spot check” method, which uses meters to provide individual readings and often requires multiple checks throughout the day, or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which tracks glucose levels constantly through sensors that typically last anywhere from 7 to 15 days, offering a more comprehensive view of glucose patterns. Self-monitoring devices empower patients to stay informed and proactive.

Menarini’s commitment to diabetes care

On this World Diabetes Day,it is crucial to commit to understanding diabetes better, supporting those affected, and working towards a future where diabetes care goes beyond blood glucose monitoring and focuses on overall well-being instead. 

The Menarini Group, along with Menarini Diagnostics, a Menarini Group company, are at the forefront of the fight against diabetes. 

Sources:

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes – last accessed on 12.10
• https://www.who.int/health-topics/diabetes#tab=tab_1  – last accessed on 12.10
• https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/warning-signs-symptoms – last accessed on 12.10
• https://worlddiabetesday.org/ – last accessed on 12.10
• https://www.menarinidiagnostics.it/ – last accessed on 12.10