World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14, following its establishment in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The initiative aims to highlight the alarming global rise in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus.

According to the WHO, diabetes increases population mortality rates by 2–3 times and significantly reduces life expectancy. The urgency of addressing this condition is underscored by its growing prevalence. Two decades ago, the global number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus was below 30 million. Today, this figure has surged to 370 million and is projected to reach 550 million by 2025, as reported by the IDF.

The most significant contributor to this increase is type II diabetes, accounting for over 85% of all cases. This form of diabetes is strongly associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. However, it is largely preventable through simple interventions, including maintaining a healthy diet and adopting a physically active lifestyle.

Each year, World Diabetes Day, facilitated by the IDF, engages millions of individuals across the globe. It unites diabetes associations from 145 countries to enhance awareness of diabetes and its associated complications.

Diabetes Mellitus: Pathophysiology and Classification

Diabetes mellitus is a complex systemic disorder characterized by an absolute or relative deficiency of the hormone insulin. This deficiency impairs carbohydrate metabolism, particularly inhibiting glucose uptake by tissues. The primary hallmark of diabetes is hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels), which subsequently leads to glucosuria (excretion of glucose in urine).

Over time, disruptions in fat, protein, water, and electrolyte metabolism also occur, either simultaneously or as subsequent consequences. These metabolic imbalances result in a cascade of hormonal and metabolic changes, ultimately contributing to late-stage diabetic complications. These include myocardial infarction, stroke, and significant damage to retinal blood vessels, kidneys, and other organ systems. Such complications underscore the urgent need to address diabetes as a critical medical and societal challenge.

Diabetes mellitus is classified into two primary types:

·       Type I diabetes (insulin-dependent), previously known as juvenile diabetes.

·       Type II diabetes (insulin-independent), also referred to as adult-onset diabetes.

Approximately 85% of diabetes cases are type II. Among these, 15% of individuals maintain a normal body weight, while the majority are classified as obese. This strong correlation between obesity and type II diabetes highlights the critical role of lifestyle factors in the disease's pathogenesis.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

The causes of type I and type II diabetes mellitus differ significantly. In type I diabetes, viral infections or autoimmune processes lead to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, resulting in insulin deficiency and its associated severe complications.

In type II diabetes, beta cells produce adequate or even elevated levels of insulin, but the body's tissues become resistant to its effects. When diabetes is accompanied by obesity, the primary factor contributing to insulin resistance is the accumulation of adipose tissue, which acts as a barrier, impairing insulin's action. To overcome this resistance, beta cells increase their activity, leading to overexertion and eventual depletion. This transition from relative insulin deficiency to absolute insulin deficiency occurs over time. However, it is important to note that type II diabetes (insulin-independent diabetes) does not progress into type I diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes).

Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Most often in the prevention of diabetes mellitus of any type, the first place is given to the correct nutritional system, although this is not entirely true. First of all, it is necessary to maintain in the body:

·       A healthy water balance.

·       Healthy diet

·       Physical activity

·       Avoid stress

Solehzoda Shahzoda Zafarjon

assistant at the department environmental hygiene

translated by Ismoilov R.