Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus Dr Sajida Naseem Assistant Professor Community & Family Medicine

What is Diabetes?

World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes - its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO, the Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.

World Diabetes Day logo is the blue circle The significance of the blue circle symbol is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle symbolizes life and health. The colour blue reflects the sky that unites all nations and is the colour of the United Nations flag. The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

Themes for Diabetes Day 2005: Diabetes and Foot Care 2006: Diabetes in the Disadvantaged and the Vulnerable 2007-2008: Diabetes in Children and Adolescents 2009-2013: Diabetes Education and Prevention

Although there is good evidence that a large proportion of cases of diabetes and its complications can be prevented by: a healthy diet regular physical activity maintaining a normal body weight avoiding tobacco This evidence is not widely implemented.

10 Facts about DM WHO Nov, 2012

1. About 347 million people worldwide have diabetes. There is an emerging global epidemic of diabetes that can be traced back to rapid increases in overweight, obesity and physical inactivity.

2. Diabetes is predicted to become the seventh leading cause of death in the world by the year 2030. Total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50% in the next 10 years. WHO projects that diabetes deaths will double between 2005 and 2030.

3. There are two major forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin production and type 2 diabetes results from the body's ineffective use of insulin.

4. A third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This type is characterized by hyperglycaemia, or raised blood sugar, which first appears or is recognized during pregnancy.

5. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes. Type 2 accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. Reports of type 2 diabetes in children – previously rare – have increased worldwide. In some countries, it accounts for almost half of newly diagnosed cases in children and adolescents.

6. Cardiovascular disease is responsible for between 50% and 80% of deaths in people with diabetes. Diabetes has become one of the major causes of premature illness and death in most countries, mainly through the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

7. In 2004, an estimated 3.4 million people died from consequences of high blood sugar.

8. 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In developed countries most people with diabetes are above the age of retirement, whereas in developing countries those most frequently affected are aged between 35 and 64.

9. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, amputation and kidney failure Lack of awareness about diabetes, combined with insufficient access to health services and essential medicines, can lead to complications such as blindness, amputation and kidney failure. After 15 years of diabetes, approximately 2% of people become blind, and about 10% develop severe visual impairment. 10 20% of people with diabetes die of kidney failure

10.Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days and a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented.

WHO ranks Pakistan 7th on diabetes prevalence list 6.9 million people are affected by diabetes with the International Diabetes Federation estimating that this number will grow to 11.5 million by 2025 unless measures are taken to control the disease. In 2007, 246 million people world-wide suffered from diabetes making the disease one of the most common non-communicable global diseases and the fourth leading cause of death in the world.

THANK YOU