Facts and figures

• More than 371 million people are suffering from diabetes, and this number continues to increase in each country. (Insert the idf graphic provided by FireKite here).
• Half of the people with diabetes do not know that they are suffering from diabetes.
• 4/5 diabetes patients live in low- and middle-income countries.
• Most people with diabetes age between 40-59 years old.
• In 2011, diabetes caused 4.6 million deaths worldwide.
• Each year, 78,000 children develop to develop type 1 diabetes. 

Diabetes is a global chronic disease, although these numbers are shocking, but there are also resources to help people with diabetes and caregivers. Organizations around the world are working with governments and health care providers to address the heavy burden of diabetes on the world. It is important that you know that you are not alone and that many specially trained health care workers are traveling with you.

Some information about diabetes complications:

• Adult diabetic patients suffer from heart disease 2 to 4 times more likely than those who do not have diabetes.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adult diabetic patients aged 20-74 years
• Most of the diabetic patients also suffer from high blood pressure
• Diabetes is the leading cause of renal failure
• About 60% of diabetic patients suffer from nerve damage

All information about diabetes can sometimes be overwhelmed, but knowledge is power. Learn everything you can learn so that you can be an active member of your health care team. A large number of studies have shown that many diabetic patients can prevent or delay diabetes-related complications as long as they receive proper treatment and change some lifestyles.

Controlling your diabetes management is the key to healthy living.