The theme for World Diabetes Day 2025, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” highlights that every individual living with diabetes must have access to integrated care, supportive environments, and health-promoting policies. It underscores the importance of adopting a life-course approach to diabetes prevention, management, and overall well-being.

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign, reaching more than one billion people across 160 countries. Observed each year on 14 November, it commemorates the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1922. World Diabetes Day 2025

LEARNING FROM HOME / BASICS

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the pancreas cannot produce insulin or when the body fails to effectively use the insulin it generates. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, functions as a key that allows glucose from food to enter the body’s cells to provide energy. As all carbohydrate-containing foods are converted into glucose, insulin becomes essential for transporting this glucose into cells.

When insulin is either insufficient or improperly used, blood glucose levels rise—a condition known as hyperglycemia or diabetes mellitus. Over time, consistently high glucose levels can damage various organs and tissues, ultimately affecting the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and teeth.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Often referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is typically the result of an autoimmune reaction in which the body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. As a result, individuals with Type 1 diabetes produce little to no insulin and require daily insulin injections to survive. Without access to insulin, this condition becomes life-threatening.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, accounts for nearly 90% of all diabetes cases. It is marked by insulin resistance along with a relative deficiency of insulin. At the time of diagnosis, one or both of these issues may be present. While it is commonly associated with overweight or obesity, this is not always the case.

Initially, many individuals can manage Type 2 diabetes through regular physical activity and a balanced diet. However, as the condition progresses, most people eventually require oral medication and, in many cases, insulin therapy.

Complications of Diabetes

People living with diabetes face a higher risk of developing several serious health issues. Persistent elevation of blood glucose levels can lead to long-term complications affecting vital organs. Therefore, adopting preventive measures becomes crucial.

Lowering the Risk

• Maintain fasting blood sugar below 100 mg/dL and keep HbA1c levels under 5.7%.
• Aim for blood pressure readings below 130/90 mmHg, using medication if required.
• Undergo a cholesterol test annually and take prescribed medication in case of elevated levels.
• Engage in brisk walking, running, swimming, or other activities that increase breathing rate for at least one hour daily.
• Sustain a healthy weight, with waist measurements under 90 cm (men) and 80 cm (women).
• Consume nutritious, high-fiber foods.
• Keep HbA1c between 5.4% and 5.6% for optimal glucose control.

Diabetes Insipidus

In contrast to diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder characterized by excessive urination and extreme thirst. Although the two conditions share some symptoms, they differ entirely in their causes and mechanisms.

The hallmark signs of diabetes insipidus include:

• Polydipsia (intense thirst)
• Polyuria (passing large amounts of urine, including during the night)

This condition arises from issues related to vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). AVP is produced by specialized nerve cells in the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland until the body needs it. When body water levels drop, the pituitary gland releases AVP to help the kidneys conserve water by producing concentrated urine.

In diabetes insipidus, either the body fails to produce enough AVP or the kidneys do not respond to it. When the kidneys do not respond to AVP, the condition is known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. As a result, the body loses excessive amounts of water, leading to increased thirst and frequent urination.