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Worldwide Diabetes Numbers Are In – Are you Surprised?

The Diabetes numbers are in and it is estimated that one person dies every seven second from diabetes and the trend appears that things will continue to get worse.

Health officials reported today that an estimated 366 million persons worldwide now suffer from diabetes. The estimated numbers were released in Lisbon, Portugal during the European meeting that had associations with more than 160 countries. Almost 5 million people die each year from this chronic condition.

The International Diabetes Federation have reportedly called for systematic and concrete guidelines to stop this epidemic. In addition, they are signaling a need for this topic to be covered at the United Nations meeting next week.

Type I Diabetes largely affect children and young adults. These individuals are unable to make insulin, which is produced from the Pancreas.  Therefore they often need a medication of synthetic Insulin to replace what has been lost.

Type II Diabetes is much more common and is often closely affected by obesity. Type II can be described as a decrease in the amount of insulin [Relative Insulin Deficiency] and a difficulty to have the insulin entering the cells [Insulin Resistance].

Complications of Diabetes:

1.)  Eye complications

–  Retinopathy – a disorder of the retina.
–  Loss of eye sight
–  Cataracts – 60% more likely to get Cataracts when diabetic
–  Glaucoma – 40% more like to get glaucoma when diabetic
–  Check out the Anatomy of the Eye

2.)  Foot Complications

–  Callous, skin changes, Neuropathy, ulcers, and other problems
–  Poor circulation and amputations can be seen.

3.)  Skin changes

–  Increased fungal, bacterial, rashes and other skin changes can be seen.

4.)  Heart Disease

–  HA1c checks blood sugar – should be monitored and maintained
–  Increased Lipids [Cholesterol and Triglycerides need to be maintained.]

5.)  Hypertension    (High Blood Pressure)

6.)  Depression and Stress

7.)  Ketoacidosis

–  Ketones produced when body burns fat instead of glucose
–  When a dangerously high levels are seen – can lead to stroke and death.

8.)  Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome  (HHNS)

–  Elevated blood sugar levels rise dangerously – rare but serious condition

9.)  Neuropathy  (Nerve Damage)

10.)  Kidney Disease  (Nephropathy)

–  High blood sugar can overwork the kidneys, causing them to stop working properly.

11.)  Peripheral Arterial Disease  (PAD)

– Blood vessels in the legs are narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits and blood flow to your feet and legs decreases.
–  Increased risk for heart attack and stroke

12.)  Stroke