The International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas (2021) reports that 10.5% of the adult population (20-79 years) has diabetes, with almost half unaware that they are living with the condition.
537 million
Approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes.
643 million by 2030
The total number of people living with diabetes is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.
3 in 4
3 in 4 adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries
Traditionally, diabetic complications include Macrovascular (Stroke, heart attack and peripheral vascular diseases) and Microvascular (Retinopathy; eyes, neuropathy; nerves and nephropathy; kidneys) complications.
Diabetic complications are a major concern for individuals with diabetes, yet there are many misconceptions surrounding them. Here are some common misconceptions and the facts that dispel them:
Misconception 1: Diabetic complications are inevitable.
Fact: While people with diabetes are at higher risk for complications, good management of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle play crucial roles in preventing complications.
- People living with diabetes are up to three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
- 1 in 3 people with diabetes will develop some form of vision loss during their lifetime.
- Kidney failure is 10 times more common in people with diabetes.
- A lower limb is lost to diabetes somewhere in the world every 30 seconds.
Misconception 2: Diabetic complications only affect the elderly.
Fact: Diabetic complications can occur at any age, including in young adults and even children if the disease is poorly managed. Early and effective management of diabetes is key to preventing complications regardless of age.
Misconception 3: Management of diabetic complications is the same everywhere.
Fact: With limited resources in most LMICs such as PNG complications are difficult to manage. Not enough screening clinics to diagnose patients. Not enough eye clinics and specialists to manage eye complications. Limited kidney/renal clinics to manage kidney complications. Limited resources available to manage diabetic foot complications. Continuous shortage of diabetic drugs to control blood sugars. Prevention and awareness are the best solutions to minimizing complications as the country cannot handle the burden of this disease.
Misconception 4: Diabetic complications only affect the heart and kidneys.
Fact: Diabetes can lead to complications in various parts of the body, including the eyes (retinopathy), nerves (neuropathy), feet (foot ulcers and infections), and skin (skin conditions). It can also increase the risk of infections and dental problems.
Misconception 5: Once complications develop, they are irreversible.
Fact: Early detection and intervention can halt or even reverse some diabetic complications. For instance, early-stage diabetic retinopathy can be managed to prevent vision loss, and proper foot care can prevent amputations.
Misconception 6: Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) only causes numbness.
Fact: Diabetic neuropathy can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, tingling, burning sensations, and loss of sensation. It can also affect autonomic nerves, leading to digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, and other problems.
Misconception 7: Diabetic complications are solely due to poor blood sugar control.
Fact: While poor blood sugar control is a major factor, other factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and genetic predisposition also contribute to the development of complications.
Misconception 8: Managing blood sugar levels alone can prevent all complications.
Fact: Managing blood sugar is crucial, but comprehensive care also includes controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and getting regular screenings for early signs of complications.
Misconception 9: Diabetic foot ulcers always lead to amputation.
Fact: With proper and prompt treatment, most diabetic foot ulcers can heal without the need for amputation. Regular foot care, early intervention, and managing blood sugar levels are key to preventing severe outcomes. The major complication of a severe diabetic foot is sepsis (systemic infection) which almost always results in death.
Misconception 10: Diabetic complications only occur after decades of having diabetes.
Fact: Complications can develop even within the first few years of having diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are poorly managed. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and effective management from the onset.
Misconception 11: Diet alone will prevent me from developing diabetic complications.
Fact: While a healthy balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining normal sugar levels all diabetic patients must be on lifelong medication.
Misconception 12: Herbs and traditional medicine will cure my diabetes.
Fact: There is no cure for diabetes. There is also no credible evidence that herbs and traditional medicine can also cure diabetes. Unfortunately, many who cannot afford medication resort to these practices and often succumb to diabetic complications.
Understanding these misconceptions is vital for both patients and healthcare providers to ensure effective management and prevention of diabetic complications. Diabetes is serious and is distroying the lives of millions every year. Get checked regularly and adhere to medical advice to reduce the burdan of this chronic disease.
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