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November is National Diabetes Month — a time to learn about diabetes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 422 million adults have diabetes, and 1.6 million deaths are directly related to diabetes every year. WiRED International offers 17 health learning modules on the disease in its Diabetes Series. This series describes type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes and the various complications and consequences of the illness on the body.
Diabetes prevalence has been rising more rapidly in middle- and low-income countries, according to WHO. Further, the number of adults living with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980. If diabetes is left untreated, people can suffer heart attacks, strokes, blindness and issues related to the kidneys and nerves.
This year’s observance month’s theme is “Take Diabetes to Heart,” focusing on the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke as people without diabetes. This is because, over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can damage the blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart. The good news is that the preventive steps people can take to manage their diabetes can also help lower the chances of having heart disease or a stroke.
Prevention and good management reduce the risk of developing diabetes or making diabetes worse. A beneficial diet of nutrient-dense food with lots of vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Healthy practices — such as quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol intake and keeping fit — significantly lower the onset and effects of diabetes.
This November and every month, WiRED urges everyone to recognize the impact diabetes has on families, and the role all can play in supporting prevention, early diagnosis and good management of diabetes.
Health MAP
You can download the modules mentioned in this story, and all 400+ of WiRED’s health modules, through WiRED’s Health Module Access Program (HealthMAP) by clicking here. This easy-to-use free program will enable you to create your own customized collection of health learning modules. You can learn more about HealthMAP through WiRED’s animation.
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