The number comes from the International Diabetes Federation; Brazil is the sixth among the ten countries with the highest number of people with diabetes
Among Brazilians with diabetes, 90% developed one or more complications, which was a warning sign for the majority. This is because 70% of people living with the disease were diagnosed only after complications.
The numbers are the result of a study conducted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), which anticipated the data to Earth for publication this Tuesday (14th), World Diabetes Day. The research was conducted internationally, in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, focusing on the Brazilian scenario.
The situation in the country is worrying because, as the organization recognises, complications related to diabetes can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. This involves damage to the heart, with a higher risk of heart attack, for example; in the eyes, with retinopathy or macular edema leading to worsening of vision and even blindness; to the kidneys; feet, with risk of amputations; and oral cavity.
In the midst of all this there is also the stress caused by the risk of developing other diseases: 66% of those interviewed in Brazil admitted to fearing a worsening of the condition.
But this risk can be reduced by early diagnosis of diabetes, directing patients towards appropriate treatment.
“Monitoring of people at greatest risk must be carried out regularly, not just in annual campaigns,” emphasizes endocrinologist Hermelinda Pedrosa, vice-president of the IDF and research coordinator of the Diabetes Unit of the Federal District Health Secretariat, in a interview with Earth.
“The risk can also be detected on the Internet and should be made available in health units. If the person is at risk, he or she is subjected to a blood sugar test. Diabetes is a global epidemic and occurs most in very low-income countries ( like in Africa) and middle-income (like Brazil),” he adds.
The reality, however, is different. According to the doctor, people are not examined properly. In many cases, checks for feet, eyes and kidneys are lacking, which is why the IDF supports monitoring and reducing bureaucracy in the system so that diabetics have access to appropriate medications and care.
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Brazil is sixth among the 10 countries with the highest number of people with diabetes
According to the organization, Brazil is the sixth among the ten countries with the highest number of people with diabetes. Ahead are China, India, Pakistan, the United States and Indonesia.
This is not accidental. More than 90% of diabetes cases in the country are type 2, when the individual develops insulin resistance, and there are several risk factors that promote this condition.
Aspects such as family history, weight, age, ethnicity, marked urbanization, stress, sedentary lifestyle and onset of the disease during pregnancy are taken into consideration. Therefore, what people can do to avoid or control the disease is to seek a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, free of ultra-processed foods, and regular physical activity.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
