CONNECTOR.AE 36 CONNECTOR.AE 37 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Diabetes - Understanding Causes, Types, Treatment And More Diabetes, often called the ‘silent pandemic,’ is a global health concern. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and it causes 1.5 million deaths each year. As per the reports in the International Diabetes Federation, in the MENA Region, 73 million people have diabetes, and the number is expected to reach 135.7 million by 2045. In the UAE, there are more than 990,900 cases of diabetes in adults. While these numbers may raise concerns, let’s take a closer look at diabetes, its various types, underlying causes, prevention strategies, and lifestyle adjustments for a healthier future. What Is Diabetes Diabetes is a long-lasting health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. When we eat, our body breaks down food into sugar (glucose) and releases it into the blood. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin, acting like a key to allow sugar into cells for energy. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. Types Of Diabetes Diabetes is categorised into several types, which include Type 1, Type 2, Gestational Diabetes, and Prediabetes. Let’s understand the symptoms and types of diabetes. Type 1 Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where your immune system targets the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas without a known cause. It can be detected at any age but is more common in children and young adults. Type 2 In Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, and your body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin (called insulin resistance). This type ismost common in adults but can also affect children. Type 2 diabetes is often avoidable, and factors like excess weight, lack of physical activity, and genetics play a role in its development. According to the WHO, more than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was formerly called noninsulin-dependent, or adult onset. Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is common in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. If you develop gestational diabetes, it may pose potential health risks for your baby. Typically, gestational diabetes disappears after childbirth, but it raises your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future. Prediabetes Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet at the level of Type 2 diabetes. It increases your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, This leads to high blood sugar levels, causing serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney issues over time. There are a lot of myths around Diabates, and debunking a few of them, Dr Shipra Patil, Specialist Internal Medicine at Dubai London Hospital, said, “Never believe if people say that if you have Type 2 diabates, you’ll always know from the symptoms you experience. Type 2 diabetes is a slowprogressing disease, and many people don’t notice symptoms.” Dr Shipra Patil from Dubai London Hospital also said that diabetes is not restricted to fat people, it’s not just overweight or obesity that matters in diabetes. You may be lean, but you have belly fat, which predisposes you to diabetes.”
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