November 14 is celebrated as World Diabetes Day globally.

Diabetes is one of the most common and deadly diseases that is widespread across the world. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

This chronic disease affects multiple systems of the body. Symptoms of the disease include polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), extreme fatigue, blurry vision, ulcers/bruises that are slow to heal, weight loss, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet.

There are three types of diabetes, namely type 1, type 2, and gestational.

Type 1: It results from the failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin. It's an autoimmune disease in which the beta cells of the pancreas which are responsible for producing insulin are attacked by the patient's body cells. Type 1 is also referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". It is presented in the younger population.

Type 2: It results from insulin resistance. The body cells fail to respond to insulin resulting in rising in sugar levels. It's also referred to as "non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes" as it is presented in adults. The main risk factor is the sedentary lifestyle. A combination of excessive body weight and insufficient exercise leads to insulin resistance in the body.

Gestational: This occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high sugar levels. It usually resolves on its own after the delivery but in some cases can continue after pregnancy.

According to the World Health Organization:

• The number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014.

• The global prevalence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age rose from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014.

• Between 2000 and 2016, there was a 5% increase in premature mortality from diabetes.

• Diabetes prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

• Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation.

• In 2016, an estimated 1.6 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes. Another 2.2 million deaths were attributable to high blood glucose in 2012.

• Almost half of all deaths attributable to high blood glucose occur before the age of 70 years.

• WHO estimates that diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016.

• A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining normal body weight, and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

• Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication, and regular screening and treatment for complications.