From the discovery of insulin to digital glucose monitoring: the fight against diabetes continues

Every year on 14 November, on the initiative of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Diabetes Day is observed. The date was chosen to mark the birthday of the Canadian physiologist Frederick Banting, who, together with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1921 — a hormone that has saved the lives of millions of people around the world.

The official symbol of this campaign is a blue circle, which represents the unity of the global community in combating the global diabetes epidemic and the colour of the sky, which unites all nations.

Types of illness and warning signs from the body

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to use the hormone effectively. As a result, blood glucose levels rise (hyperglycaemia), which over time leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and the nervous system.

Doctors distinguish between several main forms of the condition:

• Type 1 diabetes. An autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It most commonly develops in childhood or young adulthood and requires daily insulin injections.
• Type 2 diabetes. The most common form (over 90 per cent of all cases), associated with a reduction in the sensitivity of cells to insulin (insulin resistance). It develops gradually and may remain asymptomatic for a long time.
• Gestational diabetes. A disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that is first detected during pregnancy and requires close monitoring by specialists.

Typical symptoms of high blood sugar include constant thirst, a dry mouth, frequent urination, sudden changes in body weight, chronic fatigue, slow wound healing and blurred vision.

Modern monitoring, treatment and prevention

Thanks to advances in medical technology, diabetes can now be successfully managed. Patients use modern blood glucose monitors, continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pumps and pen injectors, which enable them to maintain stable blood glucose levels and lead a full and active life.

At the same time, experts emphasise that in most cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. The key steps in prevention include regular laboratory monitoring of glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels, maintaining a healthy body weight, following a balanced diet that limits simple carbohydrates and trans fats, giving up smoking, and engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

This material is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and does not contain medical advice, diagnoses or treatment recommendations. If you experience any worrying symptoms or need to monitor your blood glucose levels, please be sure to consult the relevant specialist — your GP or an endocrinologist.

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