Deaths Caused by Diabetes Will Increase by 34% by the year 2030

Diabetes has been increasing at alarming rate thoughout the world. According to International Diabetes Federation, one person dies due to diabetes every 6 seconds worldwide. In many instances, diabetes may actually be under reported as a cause of death. Studies have found that only about 35% to 40% of people with diabetes who died had diabetes listed anywhere on the death certificate and about 10% to 15% had it listed as the underlying cause of death. World Health Organization’s “Projections of mortality and causes of death, 2015 and 2030” report shows that the deaths caused by diabetes will increase by 34% in just 14 years. The report details all deaths in 2015 by cause and makes predictions for 2030. The infographic published by Medigo based on WHO data is shown below.

So when people talk about deaths caused by diabetes, what exactly is the cause of death?

Is it high or blood sugar or is it the long-term complications as a result of having uncontrolled or untreated diabetes for many years?

According to International Diabetes Federation, heart disease is the most common cause of death from diabetes. Heart disease death is 1.7 times more common in diabetics than non-diabetics. Another common cause of death is kidney failure as a result of uncontrolled diabetes. The death rate increases significantly if a poorly controlled diabetic develops kidney failure. Diabetics under 55 with poorly controlled blood sugar has a more than fourfold increased risk of early death, compared to healthy people.

How can we prevent deaths caused by diabetes?

Controlling your blood sugar and keeping you HgbA1c levels less than 6.5%. This will mean a serious commitment from the patient and family by following strict dietary guidelines, exercise regimen and taking medication as prescribed by your health care provider.

So the best form of defence is offence- by controlling the diabetes well or even better by preventing it in the first place.

Research shows that you can greatly reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes by eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of physical activity and losing excess weight.

Find more information about diabetes at fightdiabetes.com