World Diabetes Day 2019: Alarming statistics show that the number of people with diabetes in Germany has increased by a whopping 38% since 1998. Currently, over 7.5 million people nationwide are affected, around 90% of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. One in five of them has not yet been diagnosed. New cases among children between the ages of 13 and 18 have increased fivefold in recent years. A large proportion of new sickness reports can be attributed to unhealthy diets and inadequate exercise. Another cause is hereditary predisposition. Diabetologists warn that the trend can only be stopped through a “national diabetes strategy” and concrete preventive measures.
World Diabetes Day 2019: Why is the number of diabetics increasing so quickly?
The reasons for the increasing number of diabetics are varied. Over 60% of the German population between the ages of 18 and 79 is overweight. Half of people cannot meet the 150 minutes of physical activity per week recommended by the World Health Organization. Around 25% of theAdults are smokersand smoking is one of the risk factors for diabetes. Inadequate information programs and diabetes check-ups mean that those potentially at risk do not get checked early. The disease goes undetected for a long time and is not treated at all or is treated inadequately. The consequences are high mortality due to accompanying illnesses, a low quality of life and a significantly shorter lifespan compared to healthy people. The risk of stroke in diabetics is three times higher than in healthy people. One in six diabetics also suffers from kidney disease.
World Diabetes Day 2019: Measures to improve the quality of life of diabetics are still inadequate
If diagnosed early, the disease can be treated without medication. For around half of those affected, a healthy diet and exercise can bring about positive change. You can also do without blood sugar-lowering medication. However, one in seven diabetics must be treated with insulin. Should the “National Diabetes Strategy” come into force in the near future, concrete preventive measures could be taken. Not only can diabetes complications be reduced, but medical costs can also be reduced.
You can find more information in the reportRobert Koch Institutefind
