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More people than ever before have diabetes today. At present, it affects more than 143 million adults and children in the world. This number is expected to cross 300 million by the year 2025. What's more, only about half of the people with diabetes have their disease under control. This is unfortunate because researchers continue to identify methods to better manage this common illness. Unlike years ago, today if someone receives a diagnosis of diabetes, he/she has a good chance of living an active and healthy life - provided the patient and his/her doctor take the necessary steps to control the blood sugar (glucose). Perhaps your doctor recently broke the news that you have diabetes. Or you've learned that you're at risk of getting the disease. You're worried - afraid of what diabetes will do to you. Will you have to eat tasteless food that has no sugar? Will you have to give yourself daily shots of insulin? Will you eventually face an amputation? Will your diabetes kill you?
For the majority of people with diabetes, the answer to these questions is no. Researchers have learned a great deal about how to diagnose diabetes early and how to control it. Because of these advances, you can live well and not suffer serious complications if you follow your doctor's advice regarding eating, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and, when necessary, use of medicationsIt is no secret that diabetes has become today a major global concern for developed as well as developing countries. The highest prevalence of diabetes is now in developing countries and recent reports indicate that by year 2025 the number of adults affected in developing countries will increase 170 per cent from 84 million to 228 million. This increase in number is because of radical changes in life style, increase in age and increased prevalence of obesity.
Left untreated, diabetes can damage almost every major organ in your body. The disease also can be fatal. Thousands of people die of diabetes-related complications each year. That's why it's important to treat the disease as soon as you discover you have it. Lifestyle changes and medication can help you avoid or reduce complications of diabetes. Lifestyle changes also can prevent diabetes if you're at risk of the disease.
Diabetes is a serious illness, but it can be controlled. If you're willing to 40 your part, you can continue to enjoy an active and healthy life, despite your disease.
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