Diabetes, a chronic disease, is one of the biggest health challenges that the world is facing today.

It is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood which can lead to many complications including heart diseases, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, limb amputation, and nerve damage among others. The burden of diabetes is becoming increasingly heavy on individuals, families, and communities. It is not only affecting people’s lives but also threatens their financial security.

Diabetes Types

There are mainly two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that usually affects children and young adults.

The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Therefore, people with Type 1 diabetes depend on insulin injections for their survival.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a chronic condition that usually develops in adults, but nowadays many children and young adults are also getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.

Type 2 diabetes can be managed with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication, but it requires constant monitoring and management.

Prevalence and Cost of Diabetes

Diabetes is a pandemic in the modern world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there were about 463 million adults living with diabetes in 2019 globally, and the number is projected to increase to 700 million by 2045.

In the United States alone, more than 34 million people, or 10.5% of the population, have diabetes, and approximately 1.5 million new cases are diagnosed every year. Diabetes is a costly disease. In 2017, the total cost of diabetes in the US was estimated to be $327 billion, and it is projected to rise even more, reaching $622 billion by 2030.

Factors Contributing to the Rise in Diabetes Cases and Costs

The rise in diabetes cases and costs is a global phenomenon, and several factors contribute to this trend.

The main factors that contribute to the rise in diabetes cases and costs include obesity, urbanization, an aging population, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and the lack of access to healthcare and education.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the leading causes of Type 2 diabetes. Being overweight or obese can cause insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and Type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of obesity has been rising globally, primarily due to changes in the diet and lifestyle of people, easy access to fast food, and sedentary work-life. Obesity is a significant public health concern, and it has a direct impact on the rising cases of diabetes.

Urbanization

Urbanization is a phenomenon that is occurring all over the world. It is characterized by the migration of people from rural to urban areas for employment and better livelihood.

Urbanization has a direct impact on diabetes as it is associated with unhealthy lifestyle changes. People living in urban areas tend to have more sedentary lifestyles, eat more unhealthy food, and have a higher prevalence of obesity than those living in rural areas. The prevalence of diabetes is higher in urban areas than in rural areas.

Aging Population

Aging is one of the leading causes of diabetes. As people age, their risk of developing diabetes increases due to various factors such as decreased physical activity, hormonal changes, and a decrease in the production of insulin by the pancreas.

An aging population is an essential factor contributing to the rise in diabetes cases and costs globally. The older population is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades; therefore, the cases of diabetes are expected to rise further.

Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition is another significant factor contributing to the rise in diabetes cases. People tend to eat unhealthy food, such as fast food, processed food, and snacks high in sugar, salt, and fat.

Poor nutrition can cause obesity, which, in turn, can lead to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help prevent diabetes and its complications.

Sedentary Lifestyles

Sedentary lifestyles are a significant risk factor for diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle is one where people spend most of their time sitting or lying down, with little or no physical activity.

Physical inactivity reduces the body’s ability to use glucose, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Regular exercise can help prevent diabetes, and it has numerous other health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, and stress reduction.

Lack of Access to Healthcare and Education

The lack of access to healthcare and education is a significant barrier in preventing and managing diabetes. People who do not have access to healthcare often cannot afford diabetes medication, monitoring devices, or educational materials.

Lack of education about diabetes, including healthy diets and regular exercise, can lead to poor diabetes management, which can cause complications and increase healthcare costs.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a costly disease that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The rise in diabetes cases and costs is a global phenomenon, and several factors contribute to this trend, such as obesity, urbanization, an aging population, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, and the lack of access to healthcare and education. The burden of diabetes is becoming increasingly heavy, and we cannot afford the costs of managing this disease.

It is crucial to prevent and manage diabetes by promoting healthy lifestyles, providing access to healthcare and education, and reducing the risk factors associated with diabetes.