Theme: Diabetes across life stages
Diabetes is a chronic or long-term disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is one of the hormones that regulates blood glucose or blood sugar.
Over time, diabetes can lead to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels causing blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
In the Western Pacific Region, more than 220 million adults aged 18 years and above were estimated to have diabetes in 2022. Only half of people with diabetes know that they have the disease and less than half receive treatment.
On World Diabetes Day, we put a spotlight on how diabetes can impact people across all life stages, including childhood, the reproductive years, working age and older adulthood. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of a life-course approach to diabetes prevention, management and overall well-being.
Know your risk
It is important to know your risk of developing diabetes so you could have yourself tested and prevent or delay serious complications.
The most common type of diabetes is type 2, which affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, leading to high levels of blood sugar if not treated.
You may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- have relatives with diabetes (especially if they are parents or siblings)
- have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- are from an ethnicity or race that is known for high rates of diabetes (some Asian, Pacific Islander, Afro-Caribbean, Hispanic populations)
- are 40 years and above (this could be younger especially if you have other risk factors)
- are overweight or obese
- are mostly sedentary or do not have enough moderate to vigorous physical activity
- have a cardiovascular disease and its risk factors
- use tobacco products, cigarettes and drink alcoholic beverages
Until recently, this type of diabetes was mostly seen in adults, but it now also occurs in children, adolescents and young adults with increasing frequency due to the risk factors described above.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin by itself, usually due to autoimmune mechanisms. It develops during childhood, adolescents or in young adults and requires daily administration of insulin. Little is known about its causes, but genetics play a role in some cases.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. These women and possibly their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.
There are other types of diabetes but these are less common.
Get tested
The best way to detect diabetes early is to get regular check-ups and blood tests with a health-care provider, especially if you have the risk factors described above. Early diagnosis is important to prevent the worst effects of type 2 diabetes.
Pregnant women should get the recommended prenatal check-ups. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than through reported symptoms.
Know the symptoms of diabetes here.
Manage diabetes, avoid complications
Some people with type 2 diabetes will need to take medicines to help manage their blood sugar levels. These can include insulin injections or other medicines. People with diabetes often need medications to lower their blood pressure and statins to reduce the risk of complications.
To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should:
- reach and keep a normal body weight
- practise regular daily physical activity appropriate for their physical capabilities (e.g., walking). Ideally, maintain at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity each week, spread across at least 3 days.
- eat a healthy balanced diet and avoid sugary products and saturated fat, ultra-processed food (i.e., 'junk food')
- avoid smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products
- avoid alcohol
Managing diabetes across life stages:
- Children with diabetes need timely and tailored care at home and school to help them grow, learn and thrive.
- Managing diabetes during pregnancy supports the health and future of both mother and baby.
- Safe, inclusive workplaces support the health, dignity and professional growth of people living with diabetes.
- Older adults with diabetes need ongoing support to maintain their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.