Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce any or enough insulin causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood.

According to the World Health Organisation, W.H.O, diabetes is of three types, type 1 and type 2 and gestational diabetes or pregnancy induced diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is usually more serious, which can only be controlled by insulin drug or injection while the most common form of diabetes is called type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes which usually starts after the age of forty.

Gestational diabetes affects females during pregnancy, when the women have very high levels of glucose in their blood, and their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin to transport all the glucose into their cells, resulting in rising levels of glucose.

According to W.H.O, over the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes has risen faster in low and middle-income countries than in high-income ones. 

The report estimates that in 2014, about twenty five million people in Sub-Saharan Africa were living with the disease, from four million in 1980.

It further states that in 2015, it was the 6th leading cause of death in lower and middle income countries.

If not well controlled, diabetes may cause blindness, kidney failure and lead to limb amputation, in addition to other long-term consequences.

The World Diabetes Day is celebrated on the fourteen of November which coincides with the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

This year’s theme taggedthe “Nurse and Diabetes” is aimed at raising awareness about the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes.

Nurses currently account for over half of the global health workforce and people who either live with diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition need their support too.

As the number of people with diabetes continues to rise across the world, the role of nurses and other health professional support staff becomes increasingly important in managing the impact of the condition.

Diabetes requires daily self-care and if complications develop, it can have a significant impact on quality of life and reduce life expectancy.

Though, no cure yet for diabetes mellitus, a patient can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively manage it with the help of nurses.

It is imperative that people go for regular medical check for early detection of diabetes and prompt treatment.

Healthcare providers and governments must recognise the importance of investing in education and training, with the right expertise, nurses can make the difference for people affected by diabetes.

Government at all levels should subsidise drugs for the treatment of diabetes to stem the tide of the condition as many patients cannot afford the drugs.

Titilayo Kupoliyi

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