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Diabetes: Silent killer in developing nations
During commemorations of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14 we were reminded that currently 371 million people live with diabetes and another 280 million are at high risk of developing the disease globally. Half a billion people are expected to be living with diabetes by 2030.
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Studies carried out on lab rats have shown promise for a new kind of insulin pill that may be able to help millions of people with diabetes avoid daily injections. (Shutterstock/Ioannis Pantzi)
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uring commemorations of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14 we were reminded that currently 371 million people live with diabetes and another 280 million are at high risk of developing the disease globally. Half a billion people are expected to be living with diabetes by 2030.
Diabetes is a chronic, non-communicable disease (NCD) divided into two main types: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is diagnosed primarily in the young, characterized by the absence of insulin and related to genetics.
Meanwhile, type 2 is usually diagnosed in adults, characterized by a relative insufficiency of insulin and largely related to the environment. Both forms lead to serious complications if not managed properly — including damage to sight and nerves, kidney disease, amputation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure or strokes.
While what causes type 1 diabetes is largely unknown, type 2 is largely related to economic development. In the past, NCDs such as diabetes were often associated with developed countries and communicable diseases with developing countries.
