In today’s world, diabetes is becoming increasingly noticeable, but the most concerning scenario is undiagnosed diabetes – a silent hijacker of health, waiting for its chance to attack the human body.
Statistics indicate that the risk group for diabetes includes not only those who have already been diagnosed but also those who are at risk.
According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes worldwide has quadrupled over the past 40 years [1]. Unfortunately, Ukraine is not exempt from this alarming trend. As of 2021, the number of people with diabetes in Ukraine was approximately 2 million and 325 thousand. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) forecasts, this number may increase by 3% by 2030 [2].
Currently, the exacerbated situation in Ukraine, caused by war, increased stress, and limited access to hospitals in most regions, leads to a significant increase in undetected cases of diabetes. Therefore, it can be assumed that the number of patients will be much higher by 2030 than the IDF predicts.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1: a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2: when the body’s cells do not respond appropriately to insulin.
In the world, over 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2 [1].
Many people also have blood sugar levels above average but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. This condition is known as prediabetes. Individuals with elevated sugar levels are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The statistics of undiagnosed diabetes are alarming. According to the IDF, approximately 43% of all diabetes patients worldwide are unaware of their condition [3]. It jeopardizes their health and can lead to severe complications that can be avoided with timely detection.
Among the most common causes of Type 2 diabetes development are:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Advancing age;
- Lack of physical activity;
- Poor diet;
- Overweight;
- Smoking;
- Alcohol consumption;
- High blood pressure;
- Heart diseases;
- Mental health disorders;
- Sleep disorders.
Many of those who fall into one of the above categories may not experience symptoms, thus allowing the disease to progress unhindered.
It is necessary to expand screening efforts to reduce the impact of diabetes on society. Early detection of those who may not yet have symptoms will allow for timely preventive measures to preserve their health.
To ensure broad access to screening, the CheckEye team is ready to collaborate and assist. We are working to make this process accessible to everyone by providing effective technological solutions and support through partnerships with medical institutions and community organizations.
However, we should also not forget the general prevention recommendations for diabetes from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, such as physical activity, a balanced diet, and regular medical check-ups [4]. Unfortunately, our lifestyle is rapidly deteriorating, and diabetes is gaining momentum. Information resources cannot keep up with such rapid changes.
Let’s talk about it today! Together, we can ensure a healthy future!
Sources:
- World Health Organization. (2023, April 5). Diabetes. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes.
- IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition. (2021). Ukraine: diabetes report 2000 – 2045. https://diabetesatlas.org/data/en/country/207/ua.html.
- IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition. (2021). Key global findings 2021. https://diabetesatlas.org/.
- Що варто знати про цукровий діабет. Міністерство охорони здоров’я України. (2021, November 14). https://moz.gov.ua/article/health/scho-varto-znati-pro-cukrovij-diabet.