Gulf Diabetes Week : The Diabetic Epidemic—Up to 1 in 5 suffers!
As the World Health Organization (WHO) states, about 430 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, the majority living in low- and middle-income countries. Around 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. And the prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.
The GCC region is suffering extraordinarily. The rapid socioeconomic development of the GCC has resulted in major demographic and epidemiological transitions, with obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes. In the MENA region, one out of six adults have diabetes. This accounts for 73 million people. In addition, one out of three people living with diabetes in the region is undiagnosed. By 2045, there will be 136 million people with diabetes, an 86% increase if the current trend is not halted or reversed.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranks the second highest in the Middle East for the rate of diabetes. With 7 million people having diabetes and 3 million pre-diabetic cases, the burden of diabetes-related complications like heart disease, blindness, and amputations is impacting almost 1 in 5 adults.
What You Need to Know About Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar (glucose) levels and has a wide range of effects on the body. It is caused by a deterioration of the body’s important hormone, insulin.
Insulin is a hormone, or chemical messenger, produced in the pancreas after a meal and as blood glucose levels rise. Insulin is released into the bloodstream and delivered to all bodily cells. It allows glucose from our food and drinks to be carried into our cells and transformed into energy. Without insulin, our body is unable to use the glucose in our blood. While our cells are starving and lack the energy to function correctly, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. This condition is known as diabetes.
Depending on the type of diabetes, the body is either unable to produce insulin (type 1), or it is unable to properly use the insulin it produces (type 2). Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes. About 90% of people who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
What are the Different Types of Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes—Insulin is Missing
Insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks these cells, usually starting in children, teens, or young adults. This condition, often called “juvenile diabetes,” leads to progressive beta cell loss. When 80-90% of beta cells are destroyed, insulin production drops significantly, causing sudden and severe diabetic symptoms. Type 1 diabetes tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. Other factors like early viral infections or environmental triggers may contribute, but their exact roles remain unclear.
Type 2 Diabetes—Insulin is Not Functioning
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes enough insulin, but the body’s cells become resistant to its effects. As cells struggle to absorb glucose, blood sugar rises. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, so people with type 2 diabetes often have high insulin levels, unlike those with type 1. Type 2 diabetes was once called “adult-onset” diabetes, but rising obesity has made it common
Gestational Diabetes—Risk in Pregnancy and Beyond
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. It increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Women with gestational diabetes, and possibly their children, have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later—about half of these women do. Gestational diabetes is usually detected through prenatal screening since it often causes no obvious symptoms.
What Are Signs of Diabetes?
An elevated blood sugar level isn’t always immediately noticeable. But very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause the problems.
Early symptoms may include:
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea and dizziness
Severe Symptoms (especially in Type 1) may include:
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness or diabetic coma
Type 1 diabetes symptoms appear rapidly due to insulin shortage, often in children or young adults. In contrast, type 2 diabetes develops gradually, often in older adults, with symptoms sometimes mistaken for other conditions like bladder or aging-related issues.
Chronic high blood sugar complications may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Diabetic retinopathy (vision problems)
- Peripheral neuropathy (numbness in feet)
- Slow or poor wound healing
- Atherosclerosis causing poor blood flow to legs, heart, or brain (leading to PAD, cardiovascular disease, or stroke)
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
If diabetes is suspected, doctors first ask about symptoms and medical history, then perform a physical exam and measure blood sugar levels. Diagnosis requires two abnormal blood glucose readings unless typical symptoms are present, in which case one high reading suffices.
Common tests include:
Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Done after overnight fasting. Diabetes is diagnosed if levels exceed 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L).
HbA1c Test: Reflects average blood sugar over 8-12 weeks. A level above 6.5% indicates diabetes.
Random Glucose Test: Blood sugar over 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) suggests diabetes and warrants confirmatory tests.
Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar after drinking a glucose solution. Diabetes is diagnosed if levels remain above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after 2 hours.
Urine glucose tests are less reliable and no longer used for diagnosis.
Diabetes Treatment
Treatments for all Types of Diabetes
Depending on the type of diabetes, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral drugs may be part of the treatment. Eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity also are important parts of managing diabetes.
Read more details on diabetes treatment in our blog: Conquer Diabetes Before It Conquers You!
An important part of managing diabetes — as well as overall health — is keeping a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Healthy Eating: A diabetes diet is a balanced, nutritious plan for the whole family. It emphasizes vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which are high in fiber and slow glucose absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes. Saturated fats, refined carbs, and sweets should be limited.
Meal Planning Support: A registered dietitian can help create a personalized meal plan that meets health goals and preferences. Carbohydrate counting may be essential, especially in type 1 diabetes or when using insulin.
Physical Activity: Regular aerobic exercise lowers blood sugar by helping muscles use glucose for energy. It improves insulin sensitivity by activating insulin receptors in muscles. People with diabetes should consult their doctor before starting intense physical activity, especially if they have complications affecting eyes or feet. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days, and avoid long periods of sitting by moving every 30 minutes.
Well-being: In addition, supporting mental health is crucial because diabetic persons may experience significant stress due to the demands of daily life and the diagnosis itself. We will dedicate our next blog on the interaction between diabetes and well-being.
Read more details on diabetes and well-being in our blog:
Diabetes ? Let’s talk about well-being!
Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, daily blood sugar monitoring and regular insulin use are essential. Insulin therapy replaces missing insulin, lowers blood sugar, and helps prevent complications. Treatment types include:
Conventional insulin therapy: Involves two injections daily, usually a mix of intermediate- or long-acting insulin, with set mealtimes and fixed food amounts.
Intensive insulin therapy: Offers flexible dosing based on current blood sugar, food intake, and activity. Injections or insulin pumps deliver both long-acting (basal) and short-acting (bolus) insulin, allowing more freedom in daily routines and better complication prevention.
Other factors like diet, physical activity, time of day, and illnesses can influence blood sugar. Understanding these helps adjust insulin therapy effectively.
For some, additional medications like dapagliflozin may be used if insulin alone doesn’t control blood sugar, especially in those with higher BMI. Side effects can include genital and digestive issues.
Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes
TheKnowHow Independent Second Opinion Service
Are you or a loved one suffering from diabetes? You are unsure about your current treatment, or not satisfied with its effect?
TheKnowHow Independent Second Opinion Service is not intended to take you away from your treating doctor, but rather provide an extra level of competence.
Get an unbiased assessment from an international expert without having to travel or schedule appointments. Our impartial specialists conduct a record-based assessment of your current health state and all available treatment options, including their advantages and potential hazards.
Read more on : SECOND MEDICAL OPINION
A number of factors influence which treatment approach for type 2 diabetes is suitable. They include other health problems, age, individual life circumstances and personal goals.
Lifestyle changes: Losing weight and getting more exercise can lower blood glucose levels. Quitting smoking helps to reduce insulin insensitivity and the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. Some people manage to get their diabetes under control simply by changing these kinds of habits.
Medication: Many people need medication to regulate their blood sugar levels. Some take tablets, others inject insulin. It is also possible to use a combination of tablets and injections.
Surgery: If highly obese diabetic people (BMI <35) find it hard to lose weight, surgical approaches such as stomach stapling may be an option.
Treating other health problems: A lot of people who have type 2 diabetes also have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These conditions also need treatment to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Read more details on diabetes treatment in our blog:
Sources:
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for the Reduction of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes | Circulation
- Diabetes – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
- Type 2 diabetes: Which medication is best for me? – Harvard Health
- Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 und Typ 2 | BMG
- What medications help in type 2 diabetes? | informedhealth.org
