SEATTLE, Washington — Diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate glucose in the blood. Alternatively, diabetes can also occur when the metabolization of insulin in the body is insufficient. Not having enough insulin can result in the body storing glucose. Unprocessed glucose in the body causes organs to fail and this could potentially lead to death. The disease affects wealthy and impoverished countries alike, yet it often goes unnoticed in the latter. The International Diabetes Federation is working to change that.
Causes of Diabetes
The International Diabetes Federation’s research indicates that diabetes is on the rise. Within the last 20 years, the prevalence of adults living with diabetes has tripled. Its impacts are clearly seen in wealthy countries that have a plethora of unhealthy, quick meal options and citizens are often less active. Less active people tend to accrue weight, which can lead to obesity. Obesity is highly correlated with diabetes diagnoses.
Since obesity is significantly correlated with diabetes, evidence shows that exercise is one of the key steps to being able to physically process glucose. When regions of the body strengthen and become more durable, these regions can work with other body parts to more thoroughly put insulin to work. Conversely, dormant bodies don’t direct insulin to allow glucose to transform into energy.
The International Diabetes Federation
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is made up of various organizations in more than160 countries. It has existed since 1950 and is at the top when it comes to research for diabetes and solution innovation. The non-governmental organization has the world’s most knowledgeable individuals on the subject under the same organizational structure. This allows these individuals to share resources despite cultural barriers.
Nations depend on International Diabetes Federation research. During 2019, high-income countries had a higher prevalence of diabetes than middle-income and low-income countries. However, research shows that the prevalence of diabetes in middle and low-income countries is rising. In fact, the Middle East and North Africa are expected to see a 96% rise in diabetes by 2045.
Poverty Effects IDF Diabetes Research
The IDF data also reports that poorer countries have the highest rates of undiagnosed diabetes. Africa has the largest proportion of its population with undiagnosed diabetes. IDF estimates that 60% of adults in Africa are living undiagnosed with diabetes. North American and Caribbean regions only had around 38%. Areas may have undiagnosed diabetes for several reasons. The resources might not be available to the entire population. For example, those in rural areas may not have a nearby hospital where they can seek care. For those who do have access, they may often not return to follow-up appointments to receive proper treatments.
Not only do impoverished countries have the highest rates of undiagnosed diabetes but they also have a significant amount of non-senior citizens who died from this disease in 2019. Africa again tops the list with 267,600 individuals younger than 60 years old who lost their lives to diabetes. Europe, on the other hand, had 146,200 thousand deaths, which was the lowest amount on the list. The lack of finances and available resources can make detection harder, leading to fatal consequences.
Goals of the International Diabetes Federation
All the different sections of the IDF are purposed with making diabetes eradication possible in countries all over the world. The IDF comes up with results, educates the general public and has the responsibility to share relevant findings with others. The IDF assists mankind in finding a cure for diabetes on a local and global level. It also focuses on advocacy and giving a voice to those with diabetes.
There are strategies to fight diabetes at the heart of the problem on local and global levels. Rich nations with more food with citizens who exercise less have been more at risk, but that is now changing. In order to prevent diabetes, people need more information on correct ways to limit their caloric intake as well as ways to increase exercise. Poorer nations need diagnostic instruments to aid in the detection of diabetes. This will also lead to less mortality. The International Diabetes Federation is working to help meet these solutions.
– DeAndre’ Robinson
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