About American Diabetes Month

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November is all about diabetes, whether in animals, people, or its impact on various body parts. We're using American Diabetes Month as the sigil, but it is observed worldwide in multiple forms with different champion organizations. American Diabetes Month aims to educate the public about the risk factors and signs of diabetes, which include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and unexplained weight loss.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting millions globally and has increased in prevalence over the past few decades. Marked by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetes typically falls into two classifications, either Type 1 or Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children and young adults, occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes, the more common form, arises when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces or can't make enough, typically diagnosed in adults.

The origins of diabetes can be traced back to ancient times, with mentions in Egyptian manuscripts dating back to 1552 BC. However, the term "diabetes," derived from the Greek word "to siphon," was coined in the by Aretaeus of Cappadocia (129-199 AD). Over time, medical understanding of the condition has evolved significantly. Still, it was in the 1921 discovery of insulin, through the work of Frederick Banting, Charles Best, James Collip, and John Macleod, that treatment became available. Their work began in November 1920, thus the reason for November being a focus for diabetes.

Various factors contribute to the onset of diabetes, ranging from genetics to lifestyle choices. Type 1, generally considered an autoimmune disease, currently has no definitive preventive measures. For Type 2, however, a diet high in sugar and fats, lack of physical activity, and obesity are major risk factors. Diabetes affects all genders, ages, and ethnicities.

According to the World Health Organization, by 2020, approximately 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a fourfold increase from the estimates in 1980. One hundred thirty million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest 2022 figures. The International Diabetes Federation projects that approximately 783 million globally will be living with diabetes by 2045.

While diabetes affects people of all backgrounds, it disproportionately impacts minority communities and those with lower socioeconomic status, exacerbating health inequalities.

Diabetes is often dubbed a "silent killer" due to its long-term complications if not managed effectively. It can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and lower limb amputation. However, through regular monitoring, medication, and lifestyle changes, it can be managed effectively, allowing patients to lead fulfilling lives.