21/07/2025
What Is Diabetes and Why Is It Deadlier than HIV?
Diabetes is a global health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your blood sugar levels elevate due to the body's inability to produce enough insulin or effectively utilize the insulin it produces.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, where the body doesn't produce enough insulin, and Type 2, where the body becomes resistant to insulin.
Why Diabetes is Deadlier than HIV:
Diabetes is considered deadlier than HIV due to its high global prevalence, mortality rates, and severe complications. Here are some key reasons:
1. Global Prevalence: Over 537 million adults worldwide live with diabetes, with this number projected to rise to 783 million by 2045. In contrast, HIV/AIDS has a significant but lower global prevalence.
2. Mortality Rates: Diabetes caused approximately 6.7 million deaths in 2021, accounting for 12.2% of global deaths from all causes. HIV/AIDS, while still a major public health issue, has seen advancements in treatment, leading to decreased mortality rates.
3. Complications: Diabetes is associated with severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss, contributing to its high mortality rate.
Complications associated with Diabetes:
1. Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. Kidney Damage: Potential for kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation.
3.Vision Loss: Diabetes can cause blindness due to damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.
4.Nerve Damage: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain.
5.Foot Damage: Nerve damage and poor blood flow can lead to foot ulcers and amputations.
However, Diabetes can be prevented and managed. How? You might ask.
While diabetes is a serious condition, there are steps you can take to prevent or manage it:
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
2. Follow a Balanced Diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes.
4. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Regular monitoring can help identify any changes in blood sugar levels, allowing for early intervention.
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©️ Nurse Derex