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According to recent projections, there will be 200 million new cases of diabetes by 2045.
Between 2002 and 2012, type 1 diabetes in the United States increased by about 1.8% each year, while the annual increase for type 2 diabetes was 4.8%. Currently, there are 37.3 million people with diabetes (11.3% of the population) in the U.S., both diagnosed and undiagnosed. Overall, in 2021, calculations showed that about 537 million adults (20-79 years) lived with diabetes globally.
These dramatic statistics and the constantly increasing global diabetes rate demonstrate how concerning this disease is, especially in high-risk areas like the U.S.
The cause of the increased prevalence of diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is in many cases a lifestyle disorder, which often happens due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. “More than 95% of people with diabetes worldwide have specifically type 2 diabetes. Due to unhealthy lifestyle choices and lack of knowledge, people increasingly get diagnosed with diabetes, leading to the rise of cases at an alarming rate,” Christine Zalnieraite, Head of Nutrition and Wellness at Klinio, comments.
The most widespread cause of diabetes, specifically type 2, is obesity. Rates of obesity have dramatically increased over the past 15 years. And with these increase in obesity, type 2 diabetes cases have spiked.
What’s more, along with obesity often come other factors that play a part in developing type 2 diabetes. One of them is a lack of physical activity. Insufficient physical activity can affect blood sugar levels, ultimately leading to a higher risk of diabetes.
Another significant element contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes is an unhealthy diet. Many Americans have a similar eating pattern: consumption of carbonated drinks, foods high in sugar, processed and packed ready meals, and fried foods. These unhealthy food choices can cause chronic inflammation, contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Finally, there’s a significant lack of proper diabetes education, leading many people with diabetes to be unaware they have the condition.
Is there a way to reduce the risk of diabetes?
The primary method of lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is simply a change in lifestyle. By adopting healthy eating practices, staying active, and losing weight, people with prediabetes who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes can maintain their blood sugar levels in the normal range for years.
Even those who have developed type 2 diabetes can prevent other health complications, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), diabetic retinopathy (eye disease), or kidney disease, by following a nutritious diet and regularly exercising.
Speaking of the diet, it should be moderate in total fat and low in saturated fat, high in fiber, low in sugar, and consist of plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
“We should choose the foods we eat to achieve our health goals. It is essential to evaluate what best works for you and how you feel while following the nutrition plan. The meal plan should be easy, enjoyable, provide required nutrients, and be easily applicable to your daily routine,” says Zalnieraite.
The last component in preventing type 2 diabetes or reducing potential health risks for those with diabetes is regular exercise. For people with diabetes, being active makes their bodies more sensitive to insulin. Ultimately, physical activity helps control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of diabetes complications such as heart disease and nerve damage.
Growing demand for self-management via mobile app
Nowadays, the advancement of mobile technology has resulted in a large number of health-related smartphone applications (apps) aimed at improving patient self-management skills in chronic diseases.
In 2017, it was reported that over 1,500 diabetes-related apps were available to download.
Indeed, health management supported by mobile apps is a highly promising area for people with chronic diseases, providing, for example, access to integrated, individualized meal plans and health monitoring tools that can help them manage their condition.
“Digital technologies can improve people’s health through daily personalized nutrition and small-scale habit change,” notes Klinio’s Head of Nutrition and Wellness.
About Klinio
Founded in 2019, Klinio is a personalized diabetes and weight management app. This mobile application was created for people who live with lifestyle-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Klinio provides each user with an adaptable routine, including a personalized meal plan, workout program, health tracking tools, and diabetes and weight control education.
