In the world, diabetic patients are about 54 million. The number is likely to reach 1 crore by 2045. About 78 percent of them live in low and middle-income countries. 15 lakh people die annually from this disease. Most people do not know that they have diabetes. About one million people are dying from this disease every year. On the other hand, according to the International Diabetic Federation data, Bangladesh is currently suffering from diabetes, ranking eighth in the world. Experts fear that the number may double in the next four years. As a result, diabetes is becoming one of the four major infections in the country. It is expected that the number of diabetic patients will rise to 1.31 million by 2026.
People suffer from diabetes, and every year millions die due to diabetes-related complications. As the number of diabetes patients is high in Bangladesh, the diabetes growth rate is accelerating. In developing countries like Bangladesh, 20 women suffer from pregnancy-induced diabetes, of which 5 percent become infected with diabetes. Bangladesh was tenth in the top 5 diabetic countries in 2016. But what is even more alarming is that Bangladesh will be in the 5th position by the year 2045. The highest number of diabetes patients in the world is increasing in Bangladesh, India, and China.
Due to a lack of awareness, numerous diabetes patients in Bangladesh suffer from heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, eye problems, and gum diseases every year. Many suffer from various physical complications, and some even die.
The goal and purpose of this article are to increase public awareness about the symptoms, medical management, and control systems for diabetes. According to World Health Organization statistics, the number of diabetes patients in the world was about 5 million, and now it stands at an alarming rate. Diabetes patients are increasing worldwide. 1 out of 10 women suffers from diabetes. From this year, it is clear that there has been a particular emphasis on women and diabetes.
According to experienced doctors, as diabetes is increasing due to urbanization and changing lifestyles, the number of pregnancy-induced diabetes cases is rising day by day. Various studies suggest that more than half of the women suffering from pregnancy-induced diabetes later develop type-2 diabetes. Even infants suffer from malnutrition due to unplanned pregnancies, and the risk of diabetes is manifold if the child is overweight after adulthood.
Diabetes is not exactly a disease that is born suddenly. The idea of diabetes was first found in the 1862nd century of the ancient Egyptian city of 1550 BC. The term "diabetes" was coined by Hippocrates of ancient Greece, meaning "a flowing through," referring to the frequent urination seen in diabetes. This condition, where the body loses too much glucose through the urine, was well-known in ancient medical science.
The body's energy supply comes from carbohydrates found in rice, pulses, potatoes, vegetables, wheat, and maize. Through complex reactions, these carbohydrates break down into simple molecules known as glucose. Glucose produces energy by entering body cells, but it requires a hormone called insulin to enter the cells.
Our body cells have a glucose channel that remains closed under normal circumstances. The "key" to unlocking the channel is insulin. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells, resulting in a lack of energy production in the cells. While glucose levels remain high in the bloodstream, the cells remain starved of energy, and the excess glucose is excreted in the urine. This condition is known as diabetes mellitus. Another condition, diabetes insipidus, also involves frequent urination, but it is unrelated to blood glucose levels.
Returning to the previous example, imagine your house is locked. In some cases, you cannot enter the house because either you do not have the key, or the lock is broken. Similarly, in the case of diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin (the "key"), or the cells become resistant to insulin, preventing glucose from entering the cells.
Pregnancy-induced diabetes is a common issue where the body of a pregnant woman requires more insulin than normal. If the mother cannot produce enough insulin, glucose will increase in her body. Some hormones from the placenta responsible for this condition go away after childbirth. Diabetes can also be genetic, and individuals with conditions like autism or Klinefelter syndrome are at higher risk. Pancreatic issues, such as cancer or infection, can also lead to diabetes. Hormonal imbalances caused by conditions like Cushing's syndrome or acromegaly can impact insulin regulation. Some medications, such as glucocorticoids or thiazide diuretics, can increase the risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, certain viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus or rubella, have been linked to diabetes.
The most common symptom that diabetics suffer from is frequent urination. This results in dehydration, causing extreme thirst. Another consequence of diabetes is "cell starvation," where the body signals hunger even though the person has eaten. This causes excessive hunger despite weight loss. People with diabetes often feel fatigued and may have wounds that heal very slowly. Skin infections, including dermatitis, are also common. Over time, sexual function may decrease.
If a patient's diabetes is not managed properly, complications may arise. However, treatment may be possible with Allah's mercy if the symptoms are recognized and treated early. Homeopathic remedies, such as Augusta, Cephalada Indica, and Acid Phos, among others, can be used under the guidance of experienced physicians.
Maintaining an optimal weight is crucial for diabetes patients. If a person is overweight, weight loss through diet and exercise is essential. Sugar and sweet foods should be eliminated, while fats should be added to the diet. It is best to follow a regulated diet, especially for those on insulin or other medications. Skipping meals or irregular eating can be dangerous.
Finally, controlling diabetes requires conscious and disciplined living. Diabetes has reached a critical point globally, especially in Bangladesh. Therefore, it is essential to spread awareness about this disease. Awareness can help prevent this growing epidemic.
Conscious and controlled living is most necessary to manage diabetes. Preventing diabetes cannot be done alone; the government and various organizations must take initiative. Currently, 5 percent of the people in Bangladesh die from infectious diseases, and diabetes is one of the major causes. Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle are the top two contributing factors to the disease. Knowing the risks and following the doctor's advice is essential for prevention and management.
The writer is a Founder Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society
