World Diabetes Day: Raising Awareness

Today marks World Diabetes Day, an occasion dedicated to highlighting the significant challenges faced by the approximately 11 million Canadians and over 422 million individuals worldwide living with diabetes. This initiative underscores the necessity of coordinated actions to address diabetes as a critical global health concern.

Understanding Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes arises when the pancreas either fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the body cannot effectively utilize the insulin it does produce. Insulin is a crucial hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and its production and storage occur in the pancreas. Ineffective use of insulin leads to elevated blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia. This condition poses serious health risks, including increased chances of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and potential vision and nerve issues.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes typically begins in childhood and is characterized by the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes generally develops in adulthood and results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It is the most prevalent form of diabetes globally, often driven by factors such as obesity and physical inactivity.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can lead to complications for both the mother and child. It also increases the child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Latest Research on Diabetes

The medical community is actively engaged in researching diabetes prevention, management, and its complications. Here are some recent studies of interest:

1. Vitamin B and Diabetes Complications in Children

A recent study explored whether vitamin B supplements can protect against kidney damage caused by type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.

2. Lorcaserin for Obesity and Diabetes

The CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 trial examined the effects of the weight loss drug lorcaserin on managing obesity and diabetes.

3. Sotagliflozin with Insulin Therapy

A trial investigated the effectiveness of sotagliflozin combined with insulin therapy in controlling blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia.

4. Youth with Type 2 Diabetes

A study presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions Conference highlighted the distinct disease characteristics between adults and youth diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

5. Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes

Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of exercise for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Additional Resources

Top Seven Type 2 Diabetes Medications

This article reviews various treatments for type 2 diabetes, including natural lifestyle changes and established medications like metformin. It also discusses new medications currently in clinical trials and those recently available on the market.

Top 3 Meal Tips for Blood Sugar Control

A nutritious diet is vital for managing diabetes symptoms. This article outlines three dietary strategies for effective blood sugar control.

For Further Reading

Explore the latest research and insights about diabetes management and treatment options.

References

International Diabetes Federation – About WDD [Internet]. Worlddiabetesday.org. 2018 [cited 14 November 2018]. Available from: https://www.worlddiabetesday.org/about-wdd.html

World Diabetes Day 2018 [Internet]. Canadian Diabetes Association. 2018 [cited 14 November 2018]. Available from: https://www.diabetes.ca/newsroom/search-news/world-diabetes-day-2018

Diabetes [Internet]. World Health Organization. 2018 [cited 14 November 2018]. Available from: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

Living with Type 1 Diabetes [Internet]. Canadian Diabetes Association. 2018 [cited 14 November 2018]. Available from: https://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/living-with-type-1-diabetes