One in ten Belgians has diabetes, a trend expected to increase to one in eight by 2040, according to the Flemish diabetic organisation, Diabetes Liga. Despite the high prevalence of the disease, misconceptions and lack of education are widespread.
Diabetes is a chronic condition caused by the insufficient production or response to insulin, a hormone which regulates blood glucose levels. Irregular blood sugar levels can lead to an array of health problems including damage to vital organs and nerves. In extreme cases, this can lead to amputations or even death.
While over a million people in Belgium live with the condition, around 20% of people with diabetes fear that others will not know how to help them in case of an emergency, a study by Diabetes Liga revealed. About a third of those surveyed particularly feared having low blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening if not treated in time.
According to Diabetes Liga, this fear drives some to avoid exercise, despite it being crucial for the management of their condition. About 25% of diabetics don't reach their weekly recommended time for exercise, the organisation highlighted.
To reduce the fear associated with exercise, a free online training course was launched as part of a collaboration between Diabetes League and the Flemish Trainers' School (VTS) to mark World Diabetes Day (14 November). "This ensures that people with diabetes do not go into sports unprepared, but also that people in their environment [...] can intervene when necessary," said policy manager at Diabetes League, Inge Everaert.
Other organisations marked the occasion by calling for increased efforts to educate and treat diabetes worldwide. Citing recent increases in the global prevalence of the disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for "urgent" action to tackle the epidemic.
"This starts with enacting policies that support healthy diets and physical activity, and, most importantly, health systems that provide prevention, early detection and treatment," said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Diabetes: Causes, Types, and Treatments
Diabetes is a chronic condition caused by an insufficient production or response to insulin, a hormone which regulates blood glucose. Irregular blood sugars can lead to significant health issues including damage to vital organs and nerves.
There are three distinct types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of insulin-producing cells by a person's autoimmune system. Type 2 is due to an ineffective use or production of insulin, and is often associated with a person’s diet. Gestational diabetes refers to when a pregnant person develops the condition.
The conditions can be managed through medications or insulin injections, as well as regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Treatment for high blood sugar involves injecting insulin or changes in medications or lifestyle changes.
In case of low blood sugar, diabetics are recommended to ingest fast-acting carbohydrates, like glucose tablets or juice. In severe cases a glucagon injection or nasal powder can be used.
