To mark World Diabetes Day, here is a reminder of the risk factors.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or when the body is unable to use the insulin that it produces in an effective way. Both cases result in higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, defined as more than 100 mg/dl fasting. Uncontrolled diabetes causes hyperglycaemia (raised blood sugar levels).

World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14 November. It is an opportunity to spread the word about the causes, symptoms, treatment and complications of this disease, its risk factors, and how it can be prevented.

According to figures released by the World Health Organisation, around 422 million people around the world have diabetes, and the figure is expected to double within the next few years. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases although type 1 (common in childhood) has been on the rise in recent years.

Ten facts about diabetes

1. It is one of the main causes of death in the world: high blood sugar levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions. However, lower-than-normal blood sugar levels can also be harmful.
2. There are two main types: Type 1 diabetes has a genetic component. It mainly affects young people and it occurs when the person does not produce sufficient insulin. In type 2 diabetes, in most cases, the body develops resistance to insulin, and stops using it efficiently. This is often caused by being overweight and by physical inactivity.
3. What causes it? As well as the genetic factor, which makes it more likely to appear (in most cases, several family members are affected), a high-calorie, unbalanced diet and a sedentary lifestyle are crucial factors. More than 80% of people diagnosed with type 2 are obese.
4. Gestational diabetes: This type of hyperglycaemia (abnormally high blood glucose) is detected during pregnancy. It normally starts after the fifth month of pregnancy and disappears after the birth.
5. What are the symptoms? Some symptoms are frequent urination, increased hunger and thirst, an itchy body and losing weight for no apparent reason.
6. Risks of uncontrolled diabetes: Angina and myocardial infarction are among the most common complications. Poorly treated diabetes makes it more likely that the patient will develop arteriosclerosis, which is narrowing of the arteries caused by built up fat and inflammatory cells. All this can damage the brain, heart, kidney, and retina.
7. How is it treated? The treatment for diabetes mellitus is based on healthy eating and regular physical exercise, while reducing blood sugar levels and other known risk factors that damage the blood vessels.
8. Can it be prevented? Healthy eating (balanced nutrients and strict calorie control) and daily exercise (walking for at least 45 minutes a day) are the best ways of preventing and treating type 2 diabetes, which is the most common type.
9. Relaxation is essential: sleeping well controls blood sugar levels. If you sleep in complete darkness you will secrete more melatonin and, therefore, more insulin. It is also advisable to find ways of reducing stress and promoting general wellbeing, since this has a decisive influence on the control of the illness.
10. Alcohol and smoking make diabetes worse: Toxic substances like tobacco damage the arteries and nervous system. Diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, so smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity exacerbate this risk.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14 November, the birthday of Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin in 1921.

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)