World Diabetes Day: Breaking myths about the disease is the need of the hour and can help one fight the deadly effects of the disease better.

Diabetes, one of the fastest growing disease worldwide, has become a cause of concern for many who are increasingly leading a sedentary lifestyle with faulty eating habits and high levels of stress. While diabetes was earlier seen in people above 40, it is now becoming common in all age groups and even adolescents and young adults are at greater risk of getting diabetes than before.

Not surprisingly, India is a home to 77 million diabetics with second highest cases in the world, and researchers feel the number may reach 134 million by 2045.
Diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively. There are two types of diabetes - type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin at all, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't respond to insulin or is not able to make enough of it.

Managing diabetes is possible but tricky as blood sugar levels have to be monitored regularly. Besides, uncontrolled blood sugar levels could lead to heart diseases, kidney problems, stroke, and even lower limb amputation. Breaking myths around the disease is the need of the hour and can help one fight the deadly effects of the disease better. World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 to raise awareness about the disease.

Diabetes is not only a disease of developed world now, with India contributing as the second largest diabetes population. With the change in lifestyle it has become as common in rural areas as in urban cities. One of the barriers in the way of seeking health care advice is the misconceptions about the disease," says Dr. Chhavi Agrawal - Associate Consultant, Diabetes / Endocrinology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi.

Source- hindustantimes.com